Goossen Goes Distance but Loses to Camacho

Six-time world champion Hector “Macho” Camacho scored a unanimous decision over P.J. Goossen of North Hollywood on Friday night in a 10-round junior-middleweight bout at Struthers Field House near Youngstown, Ohio.

Camacho (69-4-1), fighting out of Orlando, Fla., handed Goossen his second defeat in 21 bouts.

The judges scored the fight 100-90, 99-91 and 99-91.

Goossen, who came in at 154 1/2 pounds, was the taller fighter and in the early rounds seemed quicker as he repeatedly made Camacho miss using orthodox and southpaw styles.

The first two rounds appeared to be even but Goossen seemed to be tentative offensively.

In round three, Camacho delivered a solid left hook to Goossen’s body, possibly breaking a rib. Goossen was taken to a hospital after the fight for X-rays.

“He caught me with a left hook to the ribs and at that time I felt something give,” said Goossen, a former IBO junior-middleweight champion who was hoping a victory would give him a chance at another title bout. “I couldn’t do anything after that.

“In fact, I went into a survival mode and had trouble breathing the rest of the fight. I was just glad I just got to the end. I went the distance.”.

Pat Burns worked Camacho’s corner and Pat Goossen worked P.J.’s corner. Both are on the U.S. Olympic team boxing staff.

Camacho, who weighed 155 pounds, knew he hurt Goossen and the veteran became very aggressive, looking to finish off the fight.

Goossen stayed tentative offensively, but displayed remarkable defensive skills in avoiding big blows from Camacho.

“For me, the fight went just the way I trained for it,” Camacho said.

“His switching [styles] didn’t bother me at all, even though [Goossen] thought it did. He’s a tough kid. He took some of my best shots and he never wilted.

“I want to shock the world. I’m going to win another title before May, when I’ll be 38. That will be make me legendary, like Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard, if I’m not already.”