Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing
Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news
Two-times welterweight world champion Jose “Mantequilla” Napoles died on Friday in Mexico City aged 79, the WBC has announced.
Cuba-born Napoles forged a Hall of Fame career, with a record of 81-7, including 54 knockouts.
He was granted Mexican citizenship in 1969 after beating Texan Curtis Cokes in a world title fight.
Napoles’ final bout was a losing one in front of 40,000 fans against Briton John H Stracey, who paid tribute to his former rival on Friday.
“I’m so very proud to have shared a ring with the great Jose Napoles,” Stracey said.
Sporting deaths in 2019
Show all 28“What a magnificent fighter he was and what a great champion. Look how long he reigned as a champion. This is such a sad day.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies