Marvin Camel had his first fight at twelve years old in Polson, Montana. His father, Henry Camel, a boxer, was his trainer. Although he lost his first fight, it was the beginning of his boxing career.

Camel is the first Native American champion across all weight classes and made history as the first world cruiserweight champion in two organizations. He won the World Boxing Council (WBC) cruiserweight championship in 1980 and the International Boxing Federation (IBF) cruiserweight title in 1983.

Camel is a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. He encourages others to persevere in boxing and in life. Now in his 70s, Camel stays active, running every day and continuing to work.