The boxing world at that time...the writers and other talking heads, many of them gave Napoles a very good chance. They thought that he would nake Monzon look slow, clumsy and like a cigar store Indian. Angelo Dundee, who worked Napoles' corner was sure his man would win. The fight got a big build up and was not percieved as the mismatch that many have since thought of the fight.
Well, Monzon fled a drugs test afterwards so I imagine he was pretty confident going in. Heavy smoker that hated running and had an everlasting gas tank? Says it all.
There you are! No probs mate, sorry it took so long, I know I've been slacking hence the mass of uploads I've chucked up in the last few days
Good post, we were debating this one at the time. Didn't really see Jose coming out on top but realized that, with his talent, something off the wall might occur. Had forgotten about this for years but, got a tape a few years ago and Napoles countered and fought well early on but maybe it was just King Carlos biding his time and waiting to just slip into high gear and end the proceedings.
Monzon was not looked at by the scribes as being in the league of all time greats at the time while Napoles was. Many thought Jose would put on a show and take the decision.