“All I can see now is the shadows of people,” says the 67-year-old Noel, the first Trinidadian ever to win a world title. “I used to cook for myself but my sight has become so bad that I can no longer do it. I am really in need of some help.” Noel needs help in the form of a careworker who can administer his insulin and provide the right food for him. “For what I have done for this country I think I am deserving...” he says.
Claude won the WBA title with a dazzling 15-round decision over Mexico's unbeaten and much-fancied Rodolfo Gonzalez in the States in September 1981 but dropped the belt quickly to Arturo Frias of Los Angeles before bouncing back with a fine 15-round decision over rugged Aussie Barry Michael in Melbourne for the Commonwealth lightweight title, which earned him a couple of paydays against Howard Davis and Alexis Arguello in 10-rounders. Sadly, he bailed out against Arguello claiming a damaged elbow and his top-flight career was effectively over, although he held on to the Commonwealth title until 1984.
He has few surviving relatives at home.
