On August 7, 1983, Héctor “Macho” Camacho stepped into Estadio Hiram Bithorn in San Juan for the biggest opportunity of his young career. At just 21 years old, the unbeaten Puerto Rican faced former two-time champion Rafael “Bazooka” Limón for the vacant WBC junior lightweight title. Five rounds later, Camacho had his first world championship - and boxing had one of its newest stars.
Limón was supposed to provide the young contender with his first true championship test. The 29-year-old had already fought through brutal battles at the highest level and had lost the WBC title to Bobby Chacon in a grueling 15-round fight just eight months earlier. But against Camacho, his experience couldn't compensate for the enormous difference in speed.
From the opening rounds, Camacho attacked from different angles and repeatedly found Limón with his straight left hand. Late in the third, a clean left sent the former champion to the canvas. Camacho continued pouring on the punishment in the fourth before completely taking over in the fifth. Body shots dropped Limón again, but he managed to get back to his feet.
Camacho wasn't finished. Another furious barrage sent Limón through the ropes near his own corner. Once again, the veteran somehow climbed back into position, but referee Richard Steele had seen enough. At 2:52 of the fifth round, the contest was stopped and Camacho was crowned WBC junior lightweight champion in front of approximately 10,000 celebrating fans in Puerto Rico.
The performance offered a glimpse of the fighter Camacho was before the flamboyant personality became as famous as the boxing itself: incredibly fast, aggressive, unpredictable, and capable of overwhelming world-class opposition. He would later capture titles in higher weight divisions and become one of boxing's most recognizable personalities, but on August 7, 1983, the 21-year-old “Macho” won the first world championship of his career in spectacular fashion.
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