Very difficult one to call. McCallum always struggled with fast boxer types (Curry, Kalambay, Graham). But let's look more closely at the Curry and Kalambay fights... He WON against Curry (obviously), because he went for the body early before later feinting downstairs to come up. He couldn't match Curry for sharpness and speed, so out-thought him. Kalambay was a very different mover to Benitez because he used more of the ring, whereas Benitez used tight little turns. McCallum also has more of a reach advantage over Benitez than he had with Kalambay. This is why I believe McCallum could establish his jab on Benitez, and punch as he moves - downstairs! Benitez had the advantage in speed and reflexes - as gifted a puncher as McCallum was, Benitez could avoid punches at the last split-second and counter. This is why I believe McCallum would have to stay outside and force Benitez to move into mid-range - which is where Benitez would want it anyway, regarding what I just said above and the fact McCallum, despite being very well schooled defensively, was always hittable. Breaking it down then. If McCallum can establish his jab, it's probably his fight. But if Benitez can stay at mid-range and occupy McCallum with his speed, then it is his fight. I would lean towards McCallum and his underrated left jab - he could double and treble it so effortlessly. Bodysnatcher UD, or late-ish stoppage. What do you think?
i think mike takes him with as you said his brains he could out think benitez and benitez did his best work south of 154 so it'd be be to judge him in with one of the better 154 pounders
Benitez tended to retreat to the ropes at the higher weights. Maybe not too wise with a body snatcher.
yeah those are the spots where the body shots seem to really get you because you have no where to go and you can only block so many before the one catches you you are dead on about mike having issues with boxer/movers though i think it would look alot like the curry fight only it would last a little longer
This was one of Benitez best weights believe it or not. Beat Duran easily and went 15 with Hearns. Moving up to 160 was too much for Wilfred, and also fighting Hamsho was a bad style. I think Wilfred outboxes Mike and wins a unanimous decision.
Good analysis by everyone involved. I agree that Benitez is a differant type of mover than Kalambay and Graham and his tendancy to fall by to the ropes would be trouble.
I love McCallum to death but Benitez was so skilled and naturally gifted I would favour him to win on close points decision. Even Sugar Ray said Benitez had more skill than him. Mind you Curry had more skill than the BodySnatcher.
And it ended how? Thing is, yes, Benitez is faster than McCallum and almost as technically skilled, but he's smaller and that will help McCallum establishing his jab. The initial analysis was corrrect: if Benitez concentrates on keeping away from that jab he'll look pretty good losing a UD - not too dissimilar to how it went down against Hearns. If he tries to get inside the jab on the other hand, he will get hit - with the same end result but more action packed. The crucial divide here is that Benitez will have to react to McCallum, and that will make the difference.
