33 years ago

Date: 23rd February 1991

Venue: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada

Title: WBO World Super-lightweight Title

Promoter: Main Events

Tv: HBO Sports

Hector Camacho
( 38 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 140 lbs

Greg Haugen
( 27 - 3 - 0 )
Weight: 139 lbs

 Hector "Macho" Camacho and Greg Haugen faced off in a battle for the WBO World Super-lightweight Title on Saturday, February 23rd, 1991. The fight took place at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada, and was broadcast on HBO World Championship Boxing.

The fight was close throughout with neither fighter gaining a clear advantage. However, a crucial moment in the fight came at the start of the 12th and final round, when the referee, Carlos Padilla, waited for the fighters to touch gloves. Camacho extended his glove, but Haugen refused to reciprocate, at which point Camacho threw a punch at Haugen. Padilla ordered all three ringside judges to deduct a point from Camacho.

Despite Camacho's showboating, the judges scored the fight in Haugen's favor by split decision. The victory was a significant upset, as Camacho was widely considered one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world at the time.

The loss was a major setback for Camacho, who had won his previous 38 fights before facing Haugen. In the aftermath of the fight, many pundits questioned Camacho's focus and preparation, as his showboating and lack of discipline may have cost him the victory.

Despite the disappointment of the loss, Camacho would go on to win his next fight against Haugen in a rematch later that year.