Camel challenged Mate Parlov for the vacant WBC world cruiserweight title in Split, Croatia in 1979, the decision a 15 round draw. He won the return by unanimous decision at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas 3 months later. He lost the title to Carlos De Leon in his first defence and failed in a rematch, being KO'd in 8 rounds in 1982. Camel won the vacant IBF world cruiserweight title against Roddy MacDonald in December 1983 but was unlucky to lose it on a 14th round cut against Lee Roy Murphy 10 months later. Camel was ahead on the scorecards at the time of the stoppage.