WALTER ALIBEY
Claude Noel, T&T's world champion boxer has died. He was 74 years.
He died on Sunday at the Mt Hope Hospital after a lengthy battle with diabetes. Noel began his professional career on November 13, 1973, fighting in Port of Spain when defeated Art de Freitas by second round knockout.
After a run of four victories, Noel successfully challenged for his first title, the T&T Lightweight title. The fight, scheduled for fifteen rounds, was stopped in the 10th round with Noel's opponent, Fitzroy Guisseppi, unable to continue.
However, his crowning moment came in 1981 when he defeated Rodolfo Gonzales for the WBA title in Atlantic City, New Jersey on points.
Noel won the fight 145-140, 145-141 and 144-141, all in favour of Noel.
He became a household name and had a highway named after him in his native Tobago.
Noel's first defence of his title was on December 5, 1981 against the American challenger, and late replacement, Arturo Frias.
Frias dominated the fight, which took place in Las Vegas, Nevada before knocking Noel out in the eighth round.
Funeral arrangements are being made by his nephew Renny Noel and his wife Ann.
