According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former welterweight champion and Hall of Famer Jose Napoles has dies at the age of 79.
It is with profound sorrow that we report that Jose Angel ‘Mantequilla’ Napoles died today, and with his the passing, a golden era of the world welterweight championship closes full circle,” the WBC said in a statement. “Typical of the man, who was the bravest, most courageous of fighters, that although he had been affected by various illnesses for some time, he bravely battled on, attending WBC events, always smiling and being greeted by his many friends and fans who admired him as a fighter and as a man. Today that struggle came to an end with his children and grandchildren at his bedside in Mexico City.
“The World Boxing Council is in deep mourning with the departure of one of the very greatest welterweight champions of all time and one of the most beloved people in this sport. A fierce competitor in the ring, he was a kind gentleman outside of it. Rest in peace dear champion.”
