Wildredo Benitez, how good was he?

**SilverMiles** · 09-10-2017, 12:50 PM

Originally posted by Johnny2x2x

So I remember Benitez barely from when I was a kid, I know he was a world champion as a teenager, but how good was he really?

I have noticed so many people claiming that a win over him was a big deal, but was it? He had a bunch of bums fed to him, then he lost to Leonard. His lone big win to me was against Duran, then Hearns beat him and he lost to a bunch of average fighters after that?

Educate me. How great/not great was Benitiez? What were his big wins? What modern fighter does he compare to?

A naturally good fighter who I suspected did lots of drugs which led to a quick demise. His offense was good but it was really his reflexes that set him apart from other fighters in my opinion.

Winning the world title at 17 was pretty special and he most likely will remain the youngest champion in boxing history. And to do it against a future Hall of Fame fighter was unheard of.

He also gave Hearns a tough fight as well and he beat Duran.

**Johnny2x2x** · 09-10-2017, 01:03 PM

Originally posted by SilverMiles

A naturally good fighter who I suspected did lots of drugs which led to a quick demise. His offense was good but it was really his reflexes that set him apart from other fighters in my opinion.

Winning the world title at 17 was pretty special and he most likely will remain the youngest champion in boxing history. And to do it against a future Hall of Fame fighter was unheard of.

He also gave Hearns a tough fight as well and he beat Duran.

Thanks.

Any modern fighter his career compares to as far as level of achievement? How good of a win was Benitez if you beat him?

**Real King Kong** · 09-10-2017, 01:05 PM

He was an absolute bum...he has losses on his record...duh

**PeasantCrusha** · 09-10-2017, 01:06 PM

**Johnny2x2x** · 09-10-2017, 01:11 PM

Compares to Zab Judah? Eric Morales? Somewhere in between?

**daggum** · 09-10-2017, 01:18 PM

well lets see at 140 he beat a guy named antonio cervantes. how good was he? lets see what he did before and after benitez beat him...

lets see at 147 he beat a guy names carlos baldomir oh wait carlos palomino. lets see what he did...

lets see at 154 he beat #1 ranked maurice hope and then beat all time great roberto duran.

hmmm i think the modern fighter he compares most to is adrien broner!

**SilverMiles** · 09-10-2017, 01:22 PM

Originally posted by Johnny2x2x

Thanks.

Any modern fighter his career compares to as far as level of achievement? How good of a win was Benitez if you beat him?

I think the comparison to Miguel Cotto would be a very good comparison in terms of where he ranks in history. A great fighter who fought in an era of special fighters. And another ATG Puerto Rican fighter as well. Usually, ranks around #4 behind Tito, Gomez, and Carlos Ortiz. Although I have seen some rank him behind Camacho and Rosario.

I wouldn't compare Judah to him in terms of wins. He's far more respected in the sport than Judah is and ever will be.

He would most likely rank a "Top 5" win on any fighters resume in almost any era.

**HandsofIron** · 09-10-2017, 01:26 PM

He beat Colombia's greatest fighter, Antonio Cervantes at 140 when he was still good, (Aaron Pryor beat a past prime Cervantes). Defeated the great Carlos Palomino at 147. ATG chess match vs Leonard, a match where Benitez didn't even bother training for. KO'ed the 154 champ Maurice Hope. Went the distant with Tommy Hearns at Hearn's best weight class, 154.

**Johnny2x2x** · 09-10-2017, 01:28 PM

Originally posted by SilverMiles

I think the comparison to Miguel Cotto would be a very good comparison in terms of where he ranks in history. A great fighter who fought in an era of special fighters. And another ATG Puerto Rican fighter as well. Usually, ranks around #4 behind Tito, Gomez, and Carlos Ortiz. Although I have seen some rank him behind Camacho and Rosario.

I wouldn't compare Judah to him in terms of wins. He's far more respected in the sport than Judah is and ever will be.

He would most likely rank a "Top 5" win on any fighters resume in almost any era.

Fair enough. IS he a top 100 all time fighter?

Wildredo Benitez, how good was he?