CANASTOTA, N.Y. (AP) – On a day when the boxing world turned its focus to the annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony, remembering The Greatest Muhammad Ali was part of the celebration.
Hector Camacho, who overcame the mean streets of Spanish Harlem to become a three-division champion, was among the group enshrined Sunday in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Camacho, who was shot and killed just over three years ago at age 50 in his native Puerto Rico, headed a class that also included two-division champions Lupe Pintor of Mexico and Hilario Zapata of Panama.
Inducted in the non-participant and observer categories were: Harold Lederman, a judge for over 30 years; Marc Ratner, executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission for 14 years; and Col. Bob Sheridan, an international television broadcaster since 1973.
Inductees were selected in December by the Boxing Writers Association and a panel of international boxing historians.
His lightning-quick hand speed, devastating combinations, and the accuracy of his punches defined Camacho inside the ropes – he won his first 38 pro fights before losing a split decision to Greg Haugen in 1991 – as did his flamboyant style. Few boxers grabbed more attention in the 1980s and 1990s.
