Wilfred Benitez

"Radar" was the unofficial 5th member of the Fab 4.

I rate him pretty high

 

I don't know why he wasn't considered part of the Fab 5 he fought Hearns, Duran, Leonard, and actually beat Duran decisively.

He was also at one point considered an opponent for Hagler.

 

That's exactly why I consider him right along with them. That and being the youngest world champ in history. He has a helluva legend behind him.

 

Lots of contemporary fans dont like this but Floyd and Manny maybe win 1 or at the most 2 fights against Leonard, Duran, Hearns, Benitez. Neither of them beat SRL and both would be underdogs or even money in every other matchup.

So for as much love as Floyd and Manny get Benitez should be getting the same praise

 

Benitez fought the same three Hagler fought of Duran, Hearns and Leonard.
Benitez wanted a Hagler fight. Actually called him out.
Hagler for whatever the reason didn't respond.
Personally, my opinion is it's the Fab five.
I've always included Benitez in the mix.
Where do I rate him?
Jr. Welter top 15-20.
Welterweight top 20-30.
Jr.Middle top 15-20.
I'll add ths caveat. I believe Benitez at his best he would beat alot of fighters ranked ahead of him.
He'd be an absolute nightmare for a McCallum, J.Jackson, Trinidad, Napoles, Griffith, May Jr.
Pac, especially Canelo.

 

Flash, please refer to the source where Hagler didn't respond. I would love to see that as I have a hard time believing that-not that I am calling you a liar because I am not. It just reminds me of when McCallum claims Hagler avoided him when he did not. Cheers

 

If memory serves me right, it was right after Benitez fought Duran. It was in one of the boxing mags of the era. Benitez actually said he wanted to fight Hagler , A offer was put on the table, But Hagler never responded. But this is from my memory over 40yrs ago. Some of the details I may have wrong.
By then though, Benitez was beginning to show signs of dementia and his career simply went off the rails after Hearns.
What made him special, that brilliant defense and countering ability had eroded significantly.
Fighters like Hamsho and Moore were able to land shots on him ATG' s like Cervantes, Palomino, Leonard, Duran and Hearns couldn't.
But I believe A prime Benitez fought in a way, his "style " would've given even prime Hagler hell.
And May have beaten him.

 

I seriously doubt Benitez would have beaten Hagler, as I think Hags would have simply overpowered him. But I will look that up. Cheers

 

Benitez should have made it the fab five. Not four. But you not what lest see them make a Champions Forever film without him if they decided to make one. Wouldn’t be worth **** to watch.

 

Cheers, Rummy. Thanks for clearing that up.

 

Another thing. Just an observation. If Benitez had been Unified/Undisputed at Light-Welterweight and Welterweight i feel his standing changes in people’s views in terms of all time rankings and ratings amongst his contemporaries.

 

All time great. I think he is the youngest world champion ever. So naturally gifted. 3 weight division world champion. Nicknamed the bible of boxing because he was so skilful.