Whilst Benitez was very young when he beat Cervantes, he was at the peak of his reflexes. Would he be able to slip and avoid a relentless power puncher like Pryor for 15 rounds? Who wins this battle of 10-stone fighters? For the record, I'm going for Pryor by very late stoppage. Benitez, whilst (in his prime) one of the greatest defensive fighters of all time, would have trouble neutralising Pryor (in my opinion) who would've given the kid a beating in the late rounds. Benitez, for all his masterful work, would not have frustrated Pryor. Again, this is only my opinion, and I obviously think it's a viable discussion, so what do you guys think? P.S: Happy New Year to all my friends on ESB :good
I think this would be a great one. El Radar's defensive abilities would serve him well and carry him throughout the fight. However, the Hawk's unrelenting attack and endless punching could wear Benitez down late. I believe it would come down to a decision either way, and I lean toward Pryor.
Thanks for the responses. Hopefully as the day goes on there will be more, I think it's a genuinely interesting fight.
i think benitez would be able to duck dodge and block shots and counter and escape with a close UD or SD
Benitez via points. There was a thread on this same match a couple of days ago I explained my reasons for picking Wilfred in that. http://www.eastsideboxing.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3132146#post3132146
Early on I think Benitez would frustrate Pryor but as the bout goes on I see Pryors workrate and chin demoralising Wilfred and taking him to a close decision. It's too bad we never saw Pryor versus Leonard or Duran. Talk about great Fights!
I think the major factor in this fight would be the workrate. Benitez was never a great offensive fighter, and never fought at the pace Pryor would make him fight at. It would be too difficult for Benitez to keep Pryor off of him for 15 rounds. Pryor by late stoppage or close UD.
I'm also taking Aaron by late round stoppage or decision over 15.If Bruce Curry could get to Wilfred, I'm damn sure Aaron could.
I think we shouldn't underestimate Benitez. He beat a peak Antonio Cervantes when only seventeen and later on did quite well against legendary bigger men. Pryor was no doubt very good. But, in spite of being the naturally bigger man, was given a stiff argument by Alexis Arguello. I will pick Wilfred in this one.
As much as I loved the `Hawk`. I think a prime time 140lb. Benitez would have been too much for him. Benitez was a phenom at this weight. He had enough pop to make Pryor respect him. And he was physically bigger and stronger than Pryor. Arguello was moving up fighting Pryor and was not strong enough to deal with him. Pryor would have a hard time getting off on Benitez, and Benitez was a monster fighting off the ropes. I like Benitez by 15 rd. decision.
