Wilfred Benitez hospitalized

[TBear]

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) -- Retired Puerto Rican boxing great Wilfred Benitez has been hospitalized in the U.S. territory after family members worried he might have suffered a stroke.

Yvonne Benitez tells The Associated Press that her brother will remain under observation for 72 hours. She said Friday that the family is awaiting medical tests results but that the 54-year-old Benitez is doing well and reading newspapers and magazines.

Benitez is the youngest fighter to ever win a world title, at 17 years old, but he struggled with traumatic brain injuries later in life. He was previously hospitalized in October 1996 after being found unconscious at home and currently uses a wheelchair.

Benitez's record is 53-8-1, with 31 knockouts.

[JAB5239]

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) -- Retired Puerto Rican boxing great Wilfred Benitez has been hospitalized in the U.S. territory after family members worried he might have suffered a stroke.

Yvonne Benitez tells The Associated Press that her brother will remain under observation for 72 hours. She said Friday that the family is awaiting medical tests results but that the 54-year-old Benitez is doing well and reading newspapers and magazines.

Benitez is the youngest fighter to ever win a world title, at 17 years old, but he struggled with traumatic brain injuries later in life. He was previously hospitalized in October 1996 after being found unconscious at home and currently uses a wheelchair.

Benitez's record is 53-8-1, with 31 knockouts.

Sad how even one of the greatest defensive wizards of all time has had so many brain related problems from boxing.

[TBear]

Sad how even one of the greatest defensive wizards of all time has had so many brain related problems from boxing.

I used to think that about Muhammad Ali too. I would see Basilio and LaMotta on tv(in their late 60's) talking like they never took a punch and Ali sadly struggling with words. Strange how that is. Basilio and LaMotta had very long careers and both took many more punches!

It is sad about Benitez. At this point I guess we can just hope he isn't in much pain.

[D-MiZe]

Sad how even one of the greatest defensive wizards of all time has had so many brain related problems from boxing.

I don't think it has anything to do with the ventures in the ring that we saw, his father put him through a lot as a child. I'm honestly not surprised Benitez is suffering from some form of brain injury, I hope he recovers fast.

[kendom]

God I hope he pulls through

[jackson8]

Sad story.