Retired Global Champion Claude Noel Passes Away
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Noel’s family memebers have been organizing his funeral ceremony. The preparations are being led by his wife, Ann and his nephew Renny Noel
Trinidad & Tobago’s retired world lightweight champion Claude Noel recently passed away after suffering from diabetes over a long period of time. He was 74 years old when he died at the Mount Hope Hospital.
Noel made his debut on November 13, 1973 with a second-round knockout win over Art de Freitas. He began his early career in the Port of Spain.
Noel earned a title shot after going on an impressive run of four consecutive victories. He fought for the Trinidad and Tobago lightweight title against Fitzroy Guisseppi. The referee was forced to stop the fight in the 10th round because Guisseppi was too injured to continue.
Noel became a household name after he secured a victory against Mexican-American pugilist Rodolfo Gonzales in 1981. This WBA title fight happened in New Jersey, United States. Noel won on points, with the judges scoring it 144-141, 145-140 and 145-141, in his favour.
This fight turned him into a national hero and the government of Trinidad and Tobago even named a highway after him.
On December 5 1981, Noel made his first title defense against American Arturo Frias. The fight happened in the City That Never Sleeps, Las Vegas. Arturo came in as a late replacement but that didn’t stop him from dominating the early rounds. Arturo proceeded to knock out Noel in the eighth round. Unfortunately for Noel, the American challenger went home with the belt.
Noel will also be remembered for winning three Commonwealth lightweight titles. The TT Boxing Association praised Noel for representing the country in a good light. Claude was part of an era in which TT produced world-class boxers that dominated the world. The Caribbean nation was at its peak from the 50s to the 80s.
Noel’s family members have been organizing his funeral ceremony. The preparations are being led by his wife, Ann and his nephew Renny Noel.
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