Wilfred Benitez, completely underrated

[young_robbed]

I was watching a few Benitez bouts today including his fights against Maurice Hope, Curry, and Chiaverini, to me he's one of the very underrated welterweights/super welterweights of all time. To think he was only 17 when he became champ is unbelievable.

One of his best performances must be against Maurice Hope, (a very strong and durable southpaw). After a few early rounds, Benitez was able to outwork Hope off of the ropes with strong counters. At times he was even able to load up on shots and simply wail away at Hope. Benitez's body work was very good also. In the 12th round he was able to knockout Hope with a single overhand right, great knockout IMO.

Against Chiaverini, Benitez started fast and was throwing some vicious combinations from round 1. Some Benitez's best work was off the ropes when he would make Chiaverini miss and counter him with a hook or right hand. Benitez really was punching sharply in this fight stopped Chiaverini in his tracks every time he was able to land. As usual Benitez rocked Chiaverini with hooks and uppercuts off the ropes and excellent combos. Benitez completely shut out Chiaverini, had Chiaverini came out for the 8th round Benitez would eventually stop him.

Overall this guy is rarely talked about, but overall he was an excellent fighter, he deserves more respect and needs to be looked at as a true ATG imo.

[IronDanHamza]

He's a ATG, no doubt about that.

One of the best defensive fighters of all time.

Amazing fighter.

[The_Demon]

Too become a world champion at 17 is incredible,Benitez was one of the best defensive fighters of all time,certainly an ATG for me

[Barn]

Not only a champion at 17 but, gaining the belt against a legitimate world class fighter.

Awesome boxer.

What did you guys think of the Leonard stoppage, I thought it was unfair.

[Sugarj]

Not only a champion at 17 but, gaining the belt against a legitimate world class fighter.

Awesome boxer.

What did you guys think of the Leonard stoppage, I thought it was unfair.

Agreed, he was awesome. So damned talented, but so hard to motivate at times.

If he'd have trained for Leonard he might even have beaten him!!! Never mind, even if the stoppage was a little dainty, he was behind on points due to sheer laziness.

[Barn]

Agreed, he was awesome. So damned talented, but so hard to motivate at times.

If he'd have trained for Leonard he might even have beaten him!!! Never mind, even if the stoppage was a little dainty, he was behind on points due to sheer laziness.

Yeah. His Dad left his camp permanently for not training hard enough for one of his fights.

[young_robbed]

What did you guys think of the Leonard stoppage, I thought it was unfair.

Considering it was in the last round I agree, it was very unfair. Nonetheless, Benitez would've lost by points ANYWAY, but it was a bad stoppage imo.

If Benitez was in the fight point wise, the stoppage would've been more controversial and important like Chavez-Taylor.

[StarshipTrooper]

Great fighter. To be honest I always considered it to be the "Fab Five" including Benitez in there.

Poet

[TBear]

Great fighter. To be honest I always considered it to be the "Fab Five" including Benitez in there.

Poet

Back in the day, "the Fab Four" was originally coined refering to Leonard, Duran, Hearns and Benitez. It wasn't til after Leonard & and Hearns fought Hagler that people started refering to Hagler as one of the fab four replacing Benitez.

Benitez was remarkable. His victory over Cervantes was not only an accomplishment due to his age but also that Cervantes was a very good fighter.

[StarshipTrooper]

Back in the day, "the Fab Four" was originally coined refering to Leonard, Duran, Hearns and Benitez. It wasn't til after Leonard & and Hearns fought Hagler that people started refering to Hagler as one of the fab four replacing Benitez.

Benitez was remarkable. His victory over Cervantes was not only an accomplishment due to his age but also that Cervantes was a very good fighter.

Cervantes was an ATG himself......not for nothing was he referred to as the "The Legendary Antonio Cervantes" while he was still an active fighter

Poet