Billy Backus vs Jose Napoles 2

On June 4, 1971, Jose Napoles reclaimed his welterweight titles at the Forum in Inglewood, delivering a systematic eighth-round TKO over Billy Backus in front of approximately 16,000 spectators. The bout, promoted by George Parnassus, generated $186,550 at the gate plus $55,000 in ancillary rights.

Both fighters entered at 146 pounds, but Napoles dominated from the outset despite suffering a first-round cut from a head clash. Angelo Dundee managed the cut effectively, while Napoles controlled the action with his left jab and right-hand combinations. Press scorecards reflected his superiority: AP had him ahead 6-0, Long Beach Press-Telegram 7-1, and Pasadena Star-News 4-1 through seven rounds.

The end came at 1:53 of round eight after two knockdowns. A left cross followed by a short right dropped Backus initially. After rising at the count of eight, Backus fell to his knees from a series of close-range punches. With Backus's right eye severely swollen and his left eyelid bleeding heavily, referee Dick Young consulted the ring physician, who stopped the fight.

Backus, earning $90,000 plus Syracuse area closed-circuit rights to Napoles' $30,000, admitted he couldn't match Napoles' ability to roll with punches. His uncle/trainer Carmen Basilio attributed the loss to tension, while Dundee credited Napoles' left-hand strategy against the southpaw challenger.

Official scorecards through seven rounds showed Napoles' dominance: referee Young (6-1), judge Rozadilla (4-2), and judge Grossman (5-1).