HECTOR CAMACHO FIGHTS ON IN BILOXI JULY 3 AGAINST CLINT McNEIL

The 42-year-old, four-time champion Hector Camacho takes the next step in his comeback with a 10-round middleweight bout against Clint McNeil in Biloxi on July 3 at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino. A win against McNeil keeps Camacho, 77-5-2 (38 KOs), in line for a bout against WBO light middleweight champion Daniel Santos.

McNeil was 2 years old when Camacho, a native of Puerto Rico, began his career as a 127-pound featherweight in New York. McNeil, 15-6 (9 KOs), grew up idolizing Camacho. But those who handle McNeil, 25, insist he won't be just the legend's punching bag when the fighters enter the ring.

"Clint's been wanting to fight him since he was a kid," said David McNeil, Clint's father and trainer. "He's not going in as just an opponent. He knows Camacho has been a good champion. But Clint's youth and ability could give him a chance to do something really special."

"Hector is really enthused about this comeback he's on and he wants to get right back in the mix of it all," said Rusty Derouen, the Biloxi promoter who is bringing the Camacho fight to the Coast. "He ain't 26 anymore. Heck, he ain't even 30 anymore. He's 42. But he's doing all the right things and will be in top shape for this fight."

Camacho has been in 15 title fights since turning pro in 1980 and has faced Leonard, Duran, Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad. He has won two of three fights in his latest comeback, including a third-round TKO win against Craig Houk in December.

Camacho highlights a seven-fight card that includes a bout featuring Ocean Springs cruiserweight prospect Troy Beets, 10-4.

For more information and/or tickets to this event, which will be hosted by Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi call: (888) 567-6667. Tickets price range $34.95 - $100.

6-27-2004