Memorable farewell for the GREAT “Mantequilla” Napoles

Amidst cascading applause and the lilt of the music he so loved, Cuban-Mexican José Ángel Nápoles Colombat, the two time former welterweight champion, received the last emotional goodbyes during  the  funeral procession, whose final destination was the  Dolores Pantheon, where his remains will rest.

So fitting for an all time great Champion, as a Green and Gold WBC belt, was tenderly placed on the coffin and a flag of the ComBox of Mexico City fluttered in the bright sunshine.

A sea of multiple floral ornaments arrived, including one from Britain`s  John Stracey, the rival who defeated him the world crown in December 1975. But not before the Great One had decked him in the first round and fought a magnificent typically courageous battle. Still greatness in defeat.

World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaimán Saldívar, Ciro Nucci, President of the capital ComBox, and Lorenzo Soberanes, Head of the Box Commission of Ciudad Juárez, joined the numerous members of Boxing`s Family who  came to say a fond and emotional collective goodbye to a magnificent Champion, who`ll forever be remembered with awe, respect and love. Born Cuban, he was adopted by an adoring Mexico.

Unity in grief but the greatest of pride,  with his son José Angel Napoles Palencia, and his grandson Angel Nápoles, who are boxers, plus the nine grandchildren.

A tremendously poignant and emotional moment,  when the family of Salvador Sánchez arrived  to offer their very own condolences to the Napoles family, showing classy gratitude for the fact that “Mantequilla” attended  most of the mourning anniversaries of “Sal” Sánchez.

His life is over, but his legacy forever remains.

Goodbye Dear Champ.