José Napoles
Cuban-born Mexican welterweight champion and Hall of Fame boxer.
He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
- field
- Professional boxing
- nationality
- Cuban-born, Mexican citizen
- known_for
- Two-time undisputed welterweight champion; record for most wins in unified championship bouts (shared with Muhammad Ali, unbeaten for 40 years)
Lore & Background
After 21 bouts in Cuba, Fidel Castro banned professional boxing, forcing Nápoles to seek asylum in Mexico. Over the next years, he fought internationally, including in Japan, Venezuela, and the United States, avenging losses to Alfredo Urbina and JC Morgan. He defended the title against Cokes, Emile Griffith, and others. He lost his title to John H.
Reader's Guide
His record of the most wins in unified championship bouts, shared with Muhammad Ali, stood unbeaten for 40 years. His career record of 81 wins (54 by knockout) and 7 losses places him in the exclusive group of boxers with 50 or more knockout wins. His legacy includes overcoming the ban on professional boxing in Cuba by relocating to Mexico, where he became a citizen and a fan favorite, particularly in southern California. His controversial win over Armando Muniz and his sole middleweight bout against Carlos Monzón highlight his willingness to face top competition.
Did You Know?
- He was the son of a schoolteacher, Pedro Napoles, and his wife Rosa.
- His record of most wins in unified championship bouts was shared with Muhammad Ali and unbeaten for 40 years.
- He became a Mexican citizen after seeking asylum there when Cuba banned professional boxing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is José Napoles?
José Ángel Nápoles was a Cuban-born Mexican professional boxer who competed in the 1960s and 1970s. He is best remembered as a two-time undisputed welterweight champion and a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
What is José Napoles's biggest claim to fame?
He unified the WBA, WBC, and The Ring welterweight titles on two separate occasions. He also holds a shared record with Muhammad Ali for the most wins in unified championship bouts, a mark that went unbeaten for four decades.
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