Benitez proved himself against Hearns at 154, Hatton was good fighter but Wilfredo was too good defensively for him.
The talent gap between them is obviously eye-watering, but that doesn't necessarily translate into Benitez absolutely clowning and humiliating Hatton here for a couple of reasons. Benitez was a better Welter than he was a Light-Welter, and in fact maybe didn't reach his absolute peak until he got to Light-Middle. At 140 we're essentially talking about a teenage Benitez who oozed ability but who also lost rounds through laziness, tactical immaturity and being too cagey. I think he was still developing at 140. Hatton's chin wasn't quite as good as a lot of people believed, but it was still sturdy enough and Hatton at his best wasn't easily discouraged. Benitez was really more a sharp and accurate puncher than a heavy knockout one; aside from Hope, I'm struggling to think of any top level performers he stopped. Even if he does outclass Hatton I'm not sure he stops him. Don't get me wrong, I'd take Benitez to win this and I can see why the instinct is to say it would be an absolute trouncing...But based on what each man showed at 140, we're essentially talking about a non-prime Benitez against a prime Hatton, and a styles matchup which might particularly highlight the shortcomings in Benitez's game. Benitez was involved in bouts against lesser fighters than himself which ended up being close because of the reasons I've given here, and I think this might end up being one of them. Benitez by decision, but not a landslide and without embarrassing Hatton.
That pre-prime Benitez still beat a fighter who was several levels better than Hatton. With Hatton's defense, skin, and lack of great stamina, I think its highly doubtful he lasts the distance with a sharp shooter with pop like Benitez
It would look like when Wilfred El Radar Benitez defeated champion Carlos Palomino on Jan 14 1979. Benited would counter Ricky Hatton, sliding off the ropes and frustrate him. Benitez by unanimous decision.
Wilfredo hands down. I like Hatton but Benitez is a whole other animal. One of the best pure boxers I have ever seen that could definitely handle the very strong and aggresive Hatton.
yea I'd pick hatton over most anyone, rough, busy, realy good fighter, but I think Wilfredo would be all over the ring, and even in close or on the ropes would work his magic. IDK about a KO, but a dec. hell yea!
