Sonny Liston vs George Benton sparring

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Mar 4, 2018.

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  1. InMemoryofJakeLamotta

    InMemoryofJakeLamotta I have defeated the great Seamus Full Member

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    I heard a sparring story in which Liston, either right before or right after he became the heavyweight champion, he sparred top middle weight contender George Benton. The story was, Benton was moving so fast that Liston went whole rounds without being able to land anything, while Benton was landing about everything he threw. Liston started to get angry and really trying to hurt Benton, so Benton's manager stopped the session. For those unfamiliar with George Benton:
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    I'll find the article I read it in.
     
    InMemoryofJakeLamotta, Mar 4, 2018
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  2. mrkoolkevin

    mrkoolkevin Never wrestle with pigs or argue with fools Full Member

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    I have that article too. It’s from an old Boxing Illustrated, I think.
     
    mrkoolkevin, Mar 4, 2018
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  3. Longhhorn71

    Longhhorn71 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Wasn't there a similar Harry Greb/Jack Dempsey story?
     
    Longhhorn71, Mar 4, 2018
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  4. robert ungurean

    robert ungurean Богдан Philadelphia Full Member

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    Benton is an underrated underappreciated master boxer in my book. Watch above vid and tell me the Mayweathers never studied Benton.
     
    robert ungurean, Mar 4, 2018
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  5. JackSilver

    JackSilver Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Middleweight contender Benton doing well against Liston sounds a lot more believable than tales of amateur lightweight Eddie Futch standing up to Louis.
     
    JackSilver, Mar 4, 2018
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  6. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    Yes, that was in sparring before the Miske fight.
     
    Seamus, Mar 4, 2018
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  7. Big Ukrainian

    Big Ukrainian Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Not only Benton was skilled boxer, he was also a great trainer.
     
    Big Ukrainian, Mar 4, 2018
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  8. Russell

    Russell Loyal Member Full Member

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    Who comes to mind as fighters that Benton trained? He was in the corner of Oliver McCall at one point, wasn't he?
     
    Russell, Mar 4, 2018
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  9. Big Ukrainian

    Big Ukrainian Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Not only. He has worked with far greater fighters - Evander Holyfield and Pernell Whitaker. He was Holyfield's chief trainer from 84 to 92.

    Benton won 'Trainer of the year' awards in '89 and '90.

    As a fighter Benton was never knocked down in 76 fights and 21 year in boxing. Defeated 3 world champions - Freddie Little, Jimmy Ellis, and Joey Giardello
     
    Big Ukrainian, Mar 4, 2018
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  10. JC40

    JC40 Boxing fan since 1972 banned Full Member

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    Holman Williams and George Benton were like Hopkins - Floyd Mayweather jr prototypes.

    Absolute technical masters.

    If Hopkins and or Floyd jr werent rich men playing at being promoters-managers I reckon either would make great trainers as far as being graduates of the " master boxer " school.

    Cheers.
     
    JC40, Mar 4, 2018
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  11. Ken Ashcroft

    Ken Ashcroft Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Yes, he was the head trainer of Main Events promotions for many years, working the corner along with Lou Duva. The 80s was probably their most high profile years with the likes of Johnny Bumphus, Rocky Lockridge and Mike McCallum becoming champions and the signing of some of the most heralded US boxers from the 84 Olympics including Pernell Whitaker, Meldrick Taylor, Mark Breland, Evander Holyfield and Tyrell Biggs.
     
    Ken Ashcroft, Mar 4, 2018
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  12. robert ungurean

    robert ungurean Богдан Philadelphia Full Member

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    He was also in Fraziers corner in Manila. He was an apprentice of Eddie Futch.
     
    robert ungurean, Mar 4, 2018
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  13. Longhhorn71

    Longhhorn71 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Incredible info from the comments above^^^.
     
    Longhhorn71, Mar 4, 2018
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  14. robert ungurean

    robert ungurean Богдан Philadelphia Full Member

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    Yrs ago I asked Harold Johnson about his sparring sessions with Liston. He smiled and said " Sonny never touched me" I thought that was pretty damn kool
     
    robert ungurean, Mar 4, 2018
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  15. Longhhorn71

    Longhhorn71 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Early 60's, Harold wanted a shot at Liston, but some dancing master named Willie Pastrano
    upset the apple cart.
     
    Longhhorn71, Mar 4, 2018
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