Exclusive with HECTOR “MACHO” CAMACHO!

The showman is back and brasher than ever!

In recent articles, I’ve had the opportunity to interview all different types from fun-loving and outgoing (Chris Arreola) to colorful and flamboyant (Paulie Malignaggi) to salty and crude (cutman Chuck Bodak).

After spending some one-on-one time with Hector “Macho” Camacho, I can tell you he is all of the above. With his brash personality and outrageous statements, the attention-getting boxer is all of that. Or as the kids used to say: All that and a bag of chips!

As reported here first, for the 25th Anniversary of his original Playgirl spread, the “Macho Man” is stripping down once again to pose in the pages of the glossy magazine.

So ladies and gentlemen, get ready…It’s “Macho Time” again!

Yes, the speedy southpaw is also planning to get back in the ring and fight at least three times this year.

On the upside, in his heyday, this very popular showstopper wore everything from fringed loincloths to Indian headdresses to leather thongs. He even dressed as a Roman gladiator and Captain America! And we can’t forget that heavy gold necklace that spells out M-A-C-H-O that he often sported.

In his lowest point, he has also been outfitted in a court-assigned orange jumpsuit. Like countless of other beleaguered boxers, his brushes with the law (burglary, drugs, assault) have already been well documented in the news.

But the “bad boy” Boricua insists it’s all behind him. Now he’s more than ready to move forward and prove to everyone he’s still got the goods. See for yourself in these exclusive new photos of the former champion!

Of course, you have to take what he says with a grain of salt. Outspoken and off-the-cuff, he tells me over and over, “I am what I am.”

And what he was was a slick boxer with fast hands and faster combinations. The Puerto Rican-born pug was raised in New York’s tough Spanish Harlem. He was a New York Golden Gloves champ with a great 96-1 record as an amateur.

In his pro career, he went on to win six titles in five weight classes. During his era, he was a top draw in both the ’80s and ’90s and continued to fight through this past decade. “Macho’s” last bout took place in May of 2009 when he fought to a draw against Yori Boy Campas. His win ledger stands at 79-5-3 with 38 knockouts. It is a brand new decade, and Camacho intends to make his mark in it.

The Tampa, Florida resident is also a proud father of Hector Camacho Jr., Justin, Christian (“MC”) and Tyler, takes time to work with kids, has meet-and-greets with handicapped children, and insists he wants to give back to the sport he loves. And the boxer repeats how much he loves and appreciates his fans.

During our interview, “Macho” was in excellent spirits and joked around a lot. He also was very frank about his intentions and extremely up front in his opinions. In this PG-13 version for all you readers, the spicy Camacho bares all while making some jaw-dropping comments.

In the following conversation, you will hear his harsh (and to some) derogatory remarks about Fernando Vargas, whom he’s targeting to fight. In October of last year, after his fellow southpaw son Hector Camacho Jr.’s victory over Yori Boy Campas, Vargas called out Junior (50-3-1, 27 KOs) to a showdown. But his Pops says, “Fight me first!”

Is what he says just all hype?

From one “MC” to another “MC” listen in as the “Macho Man” reveals his toughest opponents, gives me an inside scoop on his relationship with his son, confesses a secret he’s held below the belt–plus a whole lot more!

Make no bones about it, Camacho has big plans to come back in his own unique way.

Michele Chong: Hey, Macho…thanks for your time.

Hector Camacho: Thank you and thanks to all my fans too.

MC: So, the very latest news is that you’re posing again for Playgirl! Is this the start of your comeback trail?

HC: Yes, it is. I’m very excited–there’s a photo shoot happening Monday! It’s not really a comeback…I never really left, you know? I just stopped fighting. Now it’s the last hurrah of my career. I’m 47 right now, reaching 48. There comes a time when I won’t be able to do this no more. So I’m just enjoying myself. I’m training in the gym for, hopefully, a three-fight tour maybe starting in Asia.

MC: Why do you want to fight again?

HC: Boxing took care of me for many, many years. It gave me the fortune of life, you know? Money and fame. It gave me everything I am–now I just want to give back.

MC: What do you weigh right now?

HC: I probably weigh about 174. I go up and down, but I’ll be at 160 to fight.

MC: (Teasing) Ohhhh…Kelly Pavlik better watch out!

HC: I never thought of that, about fighting him. (Laughs) He never struck my attention that way. But I AM looking at Ricardo Mayorga. Right now I’m on the verge of preparing myself for a fight March 26. It will be overseas for some kind of title. Then I want to come back to the United States with another world title. And THEN I want to fight Ricardo Mayorga or Fernando Vargas for this title I bring back so it can mean something. That’s my plan.

MC: You called out Fernando Vargas a couple of months ago?

HC: Yeah, I don’t dislike him and it would be so exciting to fight him! He’ll be a guy to fall into my jazz. I’ll drive him crazy at press conferences. He’ll think he’s smart, but I might smack him in the face! Then when the fight comes, I’ll be sharp–the performer. He’ll lose it, he can’t handle someone like me! And that’s the reason I like a fight like that.

MC: It’s obvious you really want him in the ring. Any advice for him on how he can get in fighting shape?

HC: He can take suppositories! He can watch his meals and get a private trainer! He has to do what he has to do, not talk like a great fighter, be one…act like one! Nothing in his past is so impressive. Everything he did, I did two or three times in my career already! I won ten world titles. So I’m not impressed with no Fernando Vargas. But if Fernando Vargas comes back, he can prove he’s a champ–he’s gotta live like one, act like one–and that’s the bottom line.

MC: Is Angelo Dundee currently your trainer?

HC: I still have Angelo Dundee–on and off–to see If I’m in good health and that I’m doing the right thing. I also have another trainer, Jerry Reyes, who has worked with a lot of amateur fighters. The kids there look up to me; they’re all crazy about the “Macho Man.” I like working with these amateurs. I’m loyally training–this is the best shape I’ve been in in many years. I have a reputation as “The Comeback Kid.” Now I want to come back again.

MC How is your training going? You’re working out three times a day, six days a week?

HC: Yes, three times a day. I’m doing supplements, natural stuff–ain’t NO steroids! It’s herbs. So I have sooooo much energy, I’m so reborn. I just want to be in the gym. I don’t disco no more, you know? I can’t travel no more, the judge won’t let me, probation won’t let me so I go to the gym. I’m stuck in one place and I’m full of energy. I’ve got to burn it out, and it’s been fun! I do thousands of situps, pushups, shadowbox…I nap, get up, go back to the gym again. And I’m running seven to eight miles. I’m training every day. I’m running every day. I’m strong. I’m doing weight work, you know? I’m in a New Year and I have this life plan.

MC: And your son is also scheduled to fight on February 27…

HC: Hector Camacho Jr. is fighting, my kids are great. I also have Justin, Christian, and my youngest, Tyler; I have a great family. Of course, I’m divorced from Amy. We’ve been separated; it’s a headache at times. But life is good.

MC: Will you be in Junior’s corner?

HC: Well, you know, Junior is a funny character. He is. I’m sure you understand this, that he has big shoes to fill! You know what I’m saying? But he don’t have to go about it that way. If he has that attitude of “big shoes of mine” to fill, it’s the wrong attitude to have. He’s gonna have a big headache.

I am WHO I am, I am WHAT I am. I am the “Grandmaster”!

He called me and said, “Dad, I’d like you to work with me, help me get ready for this fight.” I said, “Sure, son, we’ll get you ready, get some sparring, get you sharp for the fight.” Next thing you know, he calls me a week later and says, “Dad, can you come out HERE?” But I can’t travel…I’m on probation, so what are you gonna do?

So now he’s not coming out. But I wish him all the best, I love my son to death! But I’m NOT gonna “baby” him. No one babied me when I was coming up, you know? I did it on my own.

MC: With your probation, are you going to be able to travel overseas for your fight?

HC: After I violated it last time they put me in one of those programs, so I won’t get off easy. I got four more weeks in the program, then I can travel. I’ll be alright.

MC: What will you tell the critics who say you’re “too old, too washed up, and got nothing left in the tank?”

HC: I am in fighting shape! I’m really training, I’m not just doing it ’cause I want the money. I want to make a difference, like when Ali and George Foreman came back with a purpose–to do what they know they could do.

Me? I still look good, I’m still fresh, I’m not beat up, I’ll put on my outfits, I’M A STRONG MAN!

The whole thing with me is you’re only as good as your last fight. In my next fight, I’ll come out and look GREAT! People will say, “Wow, look how good he still is.” I’m still “Macho”! They’ll say Camacho still has it, “Did you see how good he looks?”

MC: Are you going to be wearing your colorful outfits in the ring?

HC: (Laughs) Yeah, I’m gonna come back sharper than ever! I ain’t gonna come back halfway! I’m gonna make a statement. I am a great fighter–I’ll prove how great I really am. I am gifted. I will show and prove it. That’s my main goal–to show I’m a gifted, gifted world commodity! Like Muhammad Ali and George Foreman…Yes, I put myself in that category!

MC: Macho, how can you compare yourself to “The Greatest” Muhammad Ali?

HC: You know why? To do what I have to do I have to be GREAT! Right now, I’m a 10-time World Champion. I’m breaking records and if I get another world title, I’ll be making boxing history, LIKE a Muhammad Ali or a George Foreman. They are my two boxing idols! Muhammad Ali is first, then George Foreman second.

I beat Sugar Ray, I beat Duran twice. I beat the biggest of the biggest AND I lost to the biggest of the biggest too: Chavez, Trinidad and De La Hoya.

I’m an athlete, like Ali and Foreman, and the public never gave them a chance, they didn’t expect them to do it when they came back. So that’s my challenge too.

MC: After you fight overseas, are you planning to fight again in the U.S.?

HC: Oh yeah, I’m gonna go grab a title, come back to the United States and challenge that faggot, that fat guy Fernando Vargas to fight me! He said he’ll fight my son, but he won’t fight myself, the “Macho Man.” He’s a little faggot. I want to give Vargas a shot. Then I want to fight Ricardo Mayorga.

MC: After you officially retire from the ring, what’s next for you?

HC: I want to work with kids. Also, make a turning point in the entertainment world with acting and endorsements. I think I’m at that stage. I’m 47, I lived a full life. When I was young, I did it my way. Now I can be a living example.

MC Any advice for kids just starting out?

HC: Just keep busy, keep training. Keep doing what you’re doing! They want to sound smart like they know it all; time will tell.

MC: You fought Freddie Roach and won. Are you surprised at all by his huge success as a trainer?

HC: I think he was really meant to be a better trainer than a fighter. As a fighter, when I fought him, I really rocked him! I beat the living hell out of him in ten rounds! He turned out to be a better trainer than a fighter.

MC: The mega-fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather is off right now. But what do you think of the two?

HC: There’s gonna be a fight. But it’s Pacquiao’s time at the moment. Pacquiao is beating everyone. But “Pretty Boy” is undefeated, so it would be a close fight.

MC: So champ, who would you say was your toughest opponent?

HC: I’d have to say my ex-wife!

MC: (Laughs) Good for strong women of the world!

HC: Yeah, after my ex-wife, then I’d say Chavez, Trinidad and De La Hoya. I’d have to say those three fights. They were pretty tough.

MC: Who would you have liked to have had a rematch with?

HC: I’d love to fight Chavez again! But he’s an old man now…Well, he’s the same age as me but he looks older. And he’s got a lot more wrinkles than me. (Laughs)

MC: Any regrets you have with anything during your career?

HC: I’m not a bitter person with anything I did. People love me; I’m good with the fans.

MC: You have always got a lot of attention from the fans as a controversial fighter…

HC: (Surprised) I don’t know if I’m controversial or not…

MC: Macho! Come on, you are very controversial. (Laughs)

HC: (Laughs) No! I’m very colorful, flamboyant, you know? They talk about my antics before the fight or smacking opponents in the face. I know I act crazy but I can talk AND back it up! I don’t know if I’m really controversial or not. If I am, so be it. But I don’t think I’m controversial!

MC: Well, you’re certainly not shy…

HC: No, I’m not shy–and I’m very SEXY too!

MC: (Laughs) Oh yeah, thanks for reminding us!

HC: Now for Playgirl, I’m gonna look cute and sharp so people can see it’s not just a hype thing! People will see me with no clothes and stuff–a young, YOUNG body.

MC: When does your issue come out?

HC: It’ll be in the March Playgirl.

MC: Champ, here’s one of my favorite question I like to ask: Tell me something about yourself that might surprise your fans?

HC: I’ll tell you what IS going to be really surprising. People don’t know that I have a “secret tattoo” on my most private place, my private spot.

MC: (Pause) Uh, okay…

HC: (Chuckles) Yes! That’s always a surprise. Whether it will be shown in the (Playgirl) article or on TV…Well, you’ll just have to wait and check it out for yourself…BUT it will surprise a lot of people and my fans! You’ll have to check out Playgirl.

MC: Well, then your most loyal fans will have to wait until that Playgirl issue comes out.

HC: Yes, they will! (Laughs)

MC: You are known for your zany antics and outrageous statements. Away from the limelight, is this the “real” Hector Camacho?

HC: Yeah, I’m pretty much the same, I’m pretty cool. I’m enjoyable to be with and very likable!

MC: Thanks again, champ, for your time. Good luck with your photo shoot and all of your plans!

HC: Thank you, Mami!

After signing off with Hector, I then chatted with his advisor/manager Eddie Montalvo who says Camacho is really focused and serious about fighting again. “This year is going to be memorable! He wants to make history,” Montalvo tells me. “The saga will continue. We’re getting the ball rollin’ and it is gonna snowball from here!”

The Camacho camp mentions that there’s been a lot of talk about “Macho” even starring in his own reality show. And there has also been many suggestions that the humorous and highly entertaining boxer would be perfect for “Dancing with the Stars.” It’s really not so far-fetched of an idea. Think about it…He’d be coming on the heels of fighters and previous contestants, Evander Holyfield and Floyd Mayweather Jr. and would add some of his own Latin flair to the much-loved TV show.

No doubt, the dramatic “Macho Man” will have loyal fans worldwide watching his next move, in or out of the ring.

Montalvo states, “Controversy is his middle name!”

Love him or hate him, the former champion–always a showman–is a performer who continues to add a spark of intrigue to the sport.

It’s “Macho Time” once again.

Photos courtesy of Hector Camacho and Eddie Montalvo