Briscoe. Carter remarked that Dick Tiger gave him the biggest beating he took in jail, the street, or the ring. I Briscoe would produce something comparable.
I agree with the Brisco picks, but how good was Bennie really? Seemed to be a day late and a dollar short. He was almost mythical when I was coming up (just after his prime or around the time he hung ‘em up) ... the quintessential Philly middleweight ... but I’m not sure that he was really elite class. Not to derail, but I’d like some opinions.
If he had got that decision in Fight#1 over Monzon, in Monzon's backyard, that most said he deserved, he probably would have moved up to a higher level....otherwise, I concur with your evaluation. ("In his first fight with Carlos Monzon in Argentina, Briscoe walked away with a draw. He said getting a draw in Argentina is getting a victory in the United States. In this rematch with Monzon for the title, Briscoe badly stunned the champion in the 9th round, but failed to score a knockout. Monzon always respected Briscoe, and when the champion was New York, he gave Briscoe a warm greeting.")
My own view is that the Philly Culture and everything that goes along with it took something from all those guys. Bennie was elite. Just the infamous Philly gym war's wasted many careers. Too much pride. Tough era overall but Philly alone was vicious. Bennie could have been champion of the world with a break or two.
