Fifty-five years ago at the famous Inglewood Forum of Los Angeles, CA, Jose "Mantequilla" Napoles of Cuba but resident of Mexico, finally becomes world boxing champion when he stopped World Welterweight Champion Curtis Cokes of Dallas, TX in 13 rounds.
Mantequilla became world champion after being ducked for years by the champions of the lightweight, Jr welterweight and welterweight classes throughout the 60s decade.
At 29, many considered that it was late for him to fight for a world title. But, Cokes paid for all those frustrating times that Mantequilla went through.
Mantequilla became the first Latin boxers to win The Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year in 1969. And went on to become one of the best welterweight champions in history in fighting 18 world title fights from 1969 to 1975.
On This Day, April 18, 1969: Mantequilla Finally a World Champ!
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elmersalsa
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