1970-05-16 "Beginning right now, I'm thinking about Jose Napoles." -Nicolino Loche This would be 6 months before Napoles lost his WW title to Billy Backus (Napoles had 2 non-title fights after beating Ernie Red Lopez by TKO on 2/14/1970). Could Locche have won? (Napoles 30 years old; Locche 31 years old) 1970-05-16 : Nicolino Locche 139¾ lbs beat Adolph Pruitt 138½ lbs by UD in round 15 of 15 Location: Estadio Luna Park, Buenos Aires, Distrito Federal, Argentina Referee: Joaquin Arvas 149-145 149-144 149-141 "Nicolino Loche employed his typical defensive strategy in gaining a unanimous decision over Adolph Pruitt. Skillfully seeking the ropes and corners, Loche fended off solid rights and lefts from the aggressive Pruitt, who clearly sought a knockout." -Associated Press Pruitt was cut over the left eye in the 3rd round but his corner had it under control by the 5th. In spite of the loss, the WBA considered the decision controversial enough to retain Pruitt as their #1 contender and even voted him fighter of the month. Post fight comments "Beginning right now, I'm thinking about Jose Napoles." -Nicolino Loche "I thought I won the fight. If it had been in the U.S. I would have won 14 rounds." -Adolph Pruitt "Loche's a good defensive fighter, but if Adolph hadn't carried the fight to him there wouldn't have been any fight. If this had happened in the U.S. they would have booed him out of the ring." -Dave Manookian, Pruitt's manager "He isn't untouchable like they say. Adolph was the one doing the hitting." -Bill Slayton, Pruitt's trainer
Napoles would have won a UD in my opinion. Jose would eventually pressure him. He had equal ring IQ and much better offensive skills.
Napoles without too much trouble. Locche was great at 140, but what did he do at 147? Just a few non-title fights and late-career stuff if I remember correctly. Certainly nothing that makes me think he can move up and beat Napoles, arguably a top 5 all time WW.
