Best fights of José Nápoles
Over 17 years as a professional, José Nápoles compiled a 81-7 (54) record, including 18 title fights across two weight classes. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. José Nápoles KOs Hedgemon Lewis in their 2nd fight
On August 3, 1974 José Nápoles defended the undisputed welterweight title against Hedgemon Lewis. It was their second meeting. Nápoles was 34 years old with a record of 77-6, and Lewis was 28 with a record of 51-4. Nápoles was coming off a loss, while Lewis was on a 11-fight winning streak. Nápoles stopped Hedgemon Lewis via TKO in the 9th round. Retained the undisputed title.
2. José Nápoles KOs Ralph Charles
On March 28, 1972 José Nápoles defended the undisputed welterweight title against Ralph Charles. Nápoles was 31 years old with a record of 71-5, and Charles was 29 with a record of 39-3. Nápoles was on a 6-fight winning streak and Charles was on a 2-fight winning streak. Nápoles stopped Ralph Charles via KO in the 7th round. Retained the undisputed title.
3. José Nápoles defeats Clyde Gray
On September 22, 1973 José Nápoles defended the undisputed welterweight title against Clyde Gray. Nápoles was 33 years old with a record of 76-5, and Gray was 26 with a record of 40-2-1. Both Nápoles and Gray were on a 11-fight winning streak. Nápoles won via unanimous decision. Retained the undisputed title.
4. José Nápoles defeats Hedgemon Lewis
On December 14, 1971 José Nápoles defended the undisputed welterweight title against Hedgemon Lewis. Nápoles was 31 years old with a record of 70-5, and Lewis was 25 with a record of 40-3. Nápoles was on a 5-fight winning streak and Lewis was on a 4-fight winning streak. Nápoles won via unanimous decision. Retained the undisputed title.
5. José Nápoles defeats Emile Griffith
On October 17, 1969 José Nápoles defended the undisputed welterweight title against Emile Griffith. Nápoles was 29 years old with a record of 61-4, and Griffith was 31 with a record of 60-10. Nápoles was on a 16-fight winning streak and Griffith was on a 4-fight winning streak. Nápoles won via unanimous decision. Retained the undisputed title.
6. José Nápoles KOs Ernie Lopez in their 2nd fight
On February 28, 1973 José Nápoles defended the undisputed welterweight title against Ernie Lopez. It was their second meeting. Nápoles was 32 years old with a record of 74-5, and Lopez was 27 with a record of 48-9-1. Nápoles was on a 9-fight winning streak and Lopez was on a 2-fight winning streak. Nápoles stopped Ernie Lopez via KO in the 7th round. Retained the undisputed title.
7. José Nápoles KOs Billy Backus in their 2nd fight
On June 4, 1971 José Nápoles fought Billy Backus for the undisputed welterweight title. It was their second meeting. Nápoles was 31 years old with a record of 66-5, and Backus was 28 with a record of 32-10-4. Nápoles was coming off a win and Backus was on a 8-fight winning streak. Nápoles stopped Billy Backus via TKO in the 8th round. Crowned the undisputed welterweight champion.
8. José Nápoles KOs Ernie Lopez
On February 14, 1970 José Nápoles defended the undisputed welterweight title against Ernie Lopez. Nápoles was 29 years old with a record of 62-4, and Lopez was 24 with a record of 38-6-1. Nápoles was on a 17-fight winning streak and Lopez was coming off a win. Nápoles stopped Ernie Lopez via TKO in the 15th round. Retained the undisputed title.
9. José Nápoles defeats Armando Muñíz in their 2nd fight
On July 12, 1975 José Nápoles defended his WBC and The Ring welterweight titles against Armando Muñíz. It was their second meeting. Nápoles was 35 years old with a record of 80-6, and Muñíz was 29 with a record of 36-9-1. Nápoles was on a 3-fight winning streak, while Muñíz was coming off a loss. Nápoles won via unanimous decision. Defended the titles.
10. José Nápoles KOs Horacio Agustin Saldano
On December 14, 1974 José Nápoles defended the undisputed welterweight title against Horacio Agustin Saldano. Nápoles was 34 years old with a record of 78-6, and Saldano was 0 with a record of 0-0. Nápoles was coming off a win. Nápoles stopped Horacio Agustin Saldano via KO in the 3rd round. Retained the undisputed title.