Louie Burke vs Hector Camacho 1985

By Randy De La O

On January 19, 1985 my cousin Louie Burke fought Hector Camacho at the Imperial Ballroom in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Larry Hazzard was the referee. I remember this fight well. It's hard to believe it's been a little over twenty five years. As was typical of the fights back then it was being televised during the afternoon and it was free.

I have never been a fan of Camacho, he's not my type of fighter,in or out of the ring, but there was no question that Louie had his hands full that day and there is no question that he was fighting an exceptional fighter in Camacho. Camacho started quick and it was an uphill battle for Louie and despite getting a golf ball sized mouse and his left eye cut, Louie, ever the warrior, fought a valiant fight and was actually gaining some ground in the last round. Louie, not the type of fighter to fight going backwards continued to press the action during the fight and willingly traded punches with Camacho in the center of the ring.

Due to problems with his left eye the fight was stopped after the fifth round.