'Macho: The Hector Camacho Story' Review: An inside look into boxing's most flamboyant champion's rise and fall
Spoilers for 'Macho: The Hector Camacho Story'
Hector Macho Camacho was destined for greatness. Fast, flamboyant and ridiculously skilled, he had the heart of a lion and was a man who loved to live life to the fullest. The nonchalant attitude that served him well in his heydays eventually became his bane and much of it was attributed to his drug abuse. Known as "The Macho Man", the Puerto Rican had some of the greatest track records a boxer could boast of until it all tapered off following a loss to Julio Chavez.
Showtime's documentation of the boxer's life 'Macho: The Hector Camacho Story' is as detailed as it could get featuring his mother, Maria Matias, and sisters, Esther and Estrella along with wife, Amy Torres, and his son, Macho Jr. The spotlight never shifting from the famed late boxer. 'Macho' does its job for those expecting a compelling account and in the end, it's one of those stories that leave the viewer hoping for more.
The documentary directed by two-time Emmy Award winner Eric Darth with Aaron Cohen serving as the writer traces Camacho's journey since his childhood. He was East Harlem's hero and the flamboyance of the boxer is in full display as the documentary goes back to archival footage of him in various attires he would deck up in ahead of his bouts.
While at it, his strengths on the ring are delved into as well with Macho's trip hammer-like-punches that see him knock out his opponents with ease. Camacho's early journey all but confirms that he was a man who was at his best when he was happy. And when Camacho was happy, everything was right in the world.
Much could have been explained about his drug issues, but the documentary does justice showing how the abuse led to his decline as he spiraled out of control. The effects were visible in the ring as Macho was un-macho'd by the round. The 90 minutes has been broken down into three segments— rise, fall and death.
Camacho's relationship with wife Amy, who was pretty much his support system contributed immensely to his success while his mother and family held fort each time the boxer showed signs of starting down the dark path.
Perhaps, the best recollection is by Sugar Ray Leonard who vividly recollects his fight with Camacho, which he eventually lost to the Puerto Rican boxer who gave the world a glimpse of his abilities, especially when he was in his prime. In the end, what sets 'Macho' apart is the way the late boxer attempts to get the world to love him.
Despite the drugs, the child abuse and the incorrigible ignorance, all that he wanted was to be loved and Darth manages to capture those emotions accurately. 'Macho' is a boxing fans' delight. However, that shouldn't stop sports enthusiasts from finding out more about one of the most phenomenal boxers of all time.
'Macho: The Hector Camacho Story' releases on Friday, December 4, at 9 pm ET/PT on Showtime.