Camacho was once asked if he thought they would ever make a movie about his life. He replied, "They better". If there was one to be made, this one did him justice. Boxing is a brutal sport. What is even more brutal, is the private life behind some of these gladiators existence. It's more than a story of what happens to an athlete as their career fades, the lights grow dim, the cheers and adulation subside.
I was born and raised in East Harlem, "Macho" was a near mythical persona.
He was a person and a personality. A maestro in the ring, a master showman outside of it. The last time I saw him up close, there he was, alone eating hotdogs outside of Papaya King on East 86th Street NYC. Chomping down, smiling and waving, shaking hands with everyone. I called out, "Hey Champ", he looks at me with that million dollar smile, waves me over and says, "come here bro, don't be shy". He gives me a tighter than ever bro hug. I can feel how solid and strong he is. He made me feel as if I were a long lost friend.
Did I know him personally? No. Did I love him like my own brother? Absolutely. This film added to his legacy in so many ways. It'll introduce people to a Hall of Fame pugilist. It would shed light on the demons that possesses addicts. It will make people see for themselves how flawed very talented people could be.
Camacho meant a great deal to the Puerto Rican people of East Harlem. He was my Generations hero. He was fun to watch. He was an artist in what's known as the "Art of the Sweet Science". He patterned his style after Bruce Lee. He created his own jab. His speed, combinations and tenacity were electrifying. His ringside costumes rivaled Cher's and Liberace's combined. Yet, he suffered internally, like most super stars do. The gentleness and thorough look at his life through this film was done with the respect that would require a fondness for the sport.
This is more than just a documentary about a boxer and his life in and outside of the ring. It is a story about a Mother's unconditional love for her son. A friend, a father and maybe the redemption of a character who is perhaps one of the most misunderstood Hall Of Fame boxers of the twentieth century.
It's Macho Time on Showtime!
A must see not only boxing aficionados, for anyone wanting to experience a time capsule to one of the greatest, if not the greatest period in Boxing history.
Well done.
Jesse T
