Hector "Macho" Camacho vs Edwin "Chapo" Rosario: 40 Years Later, Who Really Won the Fight?

[elmersalsa]

On Friday the 13th of June 1986, Boxing Hall of famers from Puerto Rico Hector "Macho" Camacho, the WBC World Lightweight Champion of the Bronx, NY, and former champion Edwin "Chapo" Rosario of Toa Baja fought for 12 fierce rounds in front of their countrymen at Madison Square Garden of New York City.

Camacho, 24 at the time, almost got knocked out senseless in the 5th round against the fearsome knockout artist Rosario. But, somehow he survived the round and survived the fight and got the decision. A decision that was so controversial that many Puerto Rican fans from the Island believed that their fighter Chapo won the fight against the "Americanized" Camacho.

It was a fight between a New York Rican vs Puerto Rican Islander. Is it a big difference between them? To many people in Puerto Rico is a resounding yes. It's like Mexican nationals fighting Chicanos (Mexican Americans).

I can't believe that this happened 40 years ago. After this fight, the undefeated Macho Man was never the same boxer after this fight. It was like this fight took a toll on him. Your opinions.

[goose 5]

I thought Camacho deserved the decision.

[elmersalsa]

I thought Camacho deserved the decision.

I think that also. But, many Puerto Rican boxing fans were pissed at the decision of the judges. They believe that Chapo was robbed.

[bwu]

Camacho, 7-5. But you're right about that fifth round. He was never the same again.

[Ambling Alp II]

That's how I see it as well. It looked like Camacho was going to be a legend, and he never got there. Never had another great performance.

[tiny_acres]

I had it 7-5 for Rosario but I have not watched in years. Might need to watch it again.
I do remember thinking at the time that Rosario pulled it off

[giacomino]

At the time I had Rosario winning a close decision but I haven’t watched it in 40years since

[elmersalsa]

At the time I had Rosario winning a close decision but I haven’t watched it in 40years since

Interesting. I have not watched that fight since I saw it for the first time. That was 40 years ago. It was a great fight. I got to see it again.