Unbeaten Camacho Scores Unimpressive Decision

SACRAMENTO — Hector (Macho) Camacho, the undefeated World Boxing Council lightweight champion, battered challenger Freddie Roach with a flurry of punches Wednesday night but could not knock him out and scored an unimpressive 10-round unanimous decision.

Camacho, his record now 29-0, dominated the fight from the first round. Using left-right combinations, Camacho drew blood from Roach’s nose from the third round on. As the fight progressed, a deep cut opened over the challenger’s eye, threatening to end the bout.

However, referee Hank Elespuru checked the cut twice and judged it to be of no danger.

Camacho said he had nothing but respect for his opponent after the bout.

“He fought the best he could,” Camacho said. “Everyone thought he was going to get killed, but he proved everyone wrong. He was very tough.”

Roach’s father and manager said the cuts were not the only problem the challenger had in the bout. He said Roach broke his hand in the third round and could not punch effectively for the remainder of the fight.

While Camacho, 23, may have lost a little respect with his lackluster performance, he suffered a setback before the bout began.

Camacho had part of his $2,700 matching-sequined boxing outfit stolen. He took the ring with a sequined cape and shoes, but wearing simple white trunks enblazed with the word “Bronx” on them, borrowed from another fighter.