Antonio Cervantes 'Went in the Tank versus Wilfred Benetiz'

1976

When Antonio Cervantes travelled to Puerto Rico to defend his WBA Light-Welterweight Championship
versus (4-1 Underdog) 17 1/2 year-old Wilfred Benetiz on March 6, 1976, there were rumors about the
possibility of a 'tank job'.

The 30 year-old Columbian, had wanted to retire, and had become frustrated when his Manager - Ramiro Machado
could not secure a 'big money bout' with WBA Lightweight Champion - Roberto Duran for early-1976.

Though plans were in the works for a May 1976 bout, negotiations had stalled.

'Kid Pambele' had a 'great 1975' by defeating Esteban DeJesus in a 'one-sided' 15-Round Decision in April 1975,
and then stopped #1 WBA Challenger - Hector Thompson by a TKO 8 (cut-eye stoppage) in November 1975.

Both bouts were suprisingly held at the Gimnasio Nuevo in Panama, (Roberto Duran's home-country). In each
bout, the 5' 9" Champion had looked near invincible, with his spear-like left jab, and quick hard right-hand leads.

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Correct Flea Man,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,:good

Wilfred, who had been fighting at 145+ lbs. in recent fights in 1975,
could not make 140 lbs.

Many of Wilfred's 1974 bouts (when he was 16) were fought at 145+ lbs.

In the Puerto Rican and Caribbean Press, it was stated that the
growing 17 1/2 year-old was even having difficulty getting down to 144 lbs.

The bout with 'Kid Pambele' was held in Puerto Rico at Hiram Bithorn Stadium, and
Ramiro Machado (Cervantes' Manager) had negotiated a very nice fight purse,
as a 'send off' for his fighter.

 

March 1976

Associated Press,

Antonio 'Kid Pambele' Cervantes, the WBA Light-Welterweight Champion stated that
'He was ready to retire.' A suprising statement from the 30 year-old Colombian, since
he has fought extremely well in 1975, and had never looked better.

Cervantes is fighting in Puerto Rico on March 6, 1976 - and will be defending his WBA
Light-Welterweight Championship an '11th' time. His opponent a 17 year-old kid named
Wilfred Benetiz, a popular teenage Puerto Rican in his home-country. The Champion
is a heavy favorite at (4-1 Betting-odds) to retain his Championship in San Juan.

Antonio known as 'Kid Pambele', has expressed frutration at not being able to secure
a bout with 'Panamanian Sensation' - WBA Lightweight Champion - Roberto Duran.

Kid Pambele. 'I wanted to have one more big fight before I retire. Duran has done
everything to avoid challenging me. His manager said that he wants to stay at 135 lbs.
for another 2-years, and then maybe move up to Light-Welterweight in 1978. That sounds
like he doesn't want to fight me.'

 

I found new infornation, in a newspaper article with WBC Chairman, Sr. Elias Cordova.

It was all about 'money', typical for WBA fighters, managers and approved promoters.

 

Wilfred {born on on September 12, 1958} and the weight.

As far back as mid-1974, a 15 1/2 year-old Wilfred was fighting at 146 lbs.

In October 1975 at the Felt Forum, NYC - the just turned 17 year-old Wilfred
came in at 150 lbs. versus Argentinian 'southpaw' Light-Middleweight -
Omar Ruben Realico, and there wasn't an ounce of fat on him, as he was
muscular and super-tight.

Fact Check :deal

 

Flea Man,

Madison Square Garden and the 'political hacks' at the NYSAC always made
adjustments for the 'house fighters'.

Both on the 'scales', and the 'officials'.

Not to say Wilfred 'El Radar' wasn't a super-talent and 'Wunderkind' but -
lets just say that he got 'special treatment'.

 

natonic,

Don King signed Roberto Duran to a '3-bout package' in October 1975.

His first fight as part of that package was versus Leonico Ortiz in Puerto Rico
in December 1975.

Then Angel Mayoral was scheduled for a Febraury 1976 WBA Lightweight Title Defense in Las Vegas.

Then Don King had 'pencilled in' - Roberto Duran vs Antonio Cervantes for May/June 1976.

Roberto never went through with the bout with Angel Mayoral, and the 'package deal'
went 'up-in-smoke'.