Felix Machado

Biography

Félix "El Macho" Machado, born on August 22, 1972, in Georgetown, Guyana, but raised and based in Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela, was a technically skilled and determined southpaw who carved out a memorable career in the unforgiving world of professional boxing. Standing at 5 feet 7 inches with a reach of 68.9 inches, Machado built a reputation as a durable and technically astute fighter, often finding himself in the ring against some of the most formidable names in the lighter-weight classes.

Machado's professional career began on April 17, 1993, in Caracas, Venezuela, against Jesús Rattia. It was an unceremonious start, as he suffered a third-round stoppage loss. However, this early setback did not deter him. Over the next few years, Machado rebuilt and refined his style, going 9-1 before earning his first regional title shot. In Managua, Nicaragua, he faced Adonis Cruz for the WBC Fecarbox Super Flyweight title, a fight that ended controversially with Machado being disqualified in the eighth round. Despite the result, it was clear that Machado was beginning to demonstrate the grit and technical ability that would become hallmarks of his career.

In March 1997, Machado got his first world title opportunity, challenging Daorung Chuwatana for the WBA Bantamweight title in Satun, Thailand. It was a close contest, but Machado fell short, losing via split decision. Though he didn't leave with the belt, the performance proved he belonged on the world stage. Over the next three years, Machado stayed active, honing his craft and positioning himself for another shot at glory.

His breakthrough came on May 20, 2000, when he faced Julio Gamboa for the vacant IBF World Super Flyweight title in Tunica, Mississippi. The fight ended in a split draw, but the rematch two months later in Miami saw Machado claim the title via unanimous decision. This victory marked the peak of his career and established him as one of the top fighters in the division.

As IBF champion, Machado made several notable defences. On December 16, 2000, he stopped William De Sousa in the third round, and on June 16, 2001, he outpointed Mauricio Pastrana in Cincinnati with a composed display of technical boxing. In March 2002, Machado faced the talented Martin Castillo in Reading, Pennsylvania. The bout was halted prematurely due to an accidental head clash, but Machado was declared the winner via technical decision, successfully retaining his title.

Machado's reign ended on January 4, 2003, in Washington, D.C., where he lost his title to Luis Alberto Pérez via split decision in a tightly contested match. They met again 11 months later in Atlantic City, and Pérez won decisively on the scorecards, ending Machado's hopes of regaining the belt.

In the years that followed, Machado's career became a series of ups and downs. On July 30, 2007, he fought for the Venezuelan Bantamweight title, defeating Franklin Varela via unanimous decision, but opportunities on the global stage dwindled. Age and accumulated wear began to show, and Machado transitioned into the role of a journeyman, fighting sporadically in various weight divisions.

His final professional bout took place on November 9, 2019, in Trujillo, Venezuela, against Gregory Vera. Machado was stopped in the second round, ending his long and hard-fought career. He retired with a professional record of 26 wins, 20 losses, and one draw, with 12 victories coming by knockout.

Machado's career is remembered best for his reign as IBF Super Flyweight Champion, especially for his rivalry with Luis Alberto Perez.