Donald Curry v Wilfred Benitez. 15 rounds, welterweight.

I don't agree that Curry would rely on his outside game against a slick defensive counter-puncher like Benitez. It was against the slicksters, like Starling, that he generally went to press the fight to make it a close range affair so he'd be able to maintain a steady workrate and offense. If he were to fight on the outside against Benitez, his workrate would decline and he'd stand a better chance of being countered or beaten. I see him pressing to make it an inside fight, with moments of out-boxing, combinations from mid-range, etc, rather than the other way around as you said.

 

I'd figure his workrate would decline if faced with such a defensively sound, slip and counter style of fighter, which could make his workrate go down and cause him to fight a more cautious fight, or push him to make it an inside fight, which is what he'd usually do in those situations, and why I think he'd do so against Benitez.

I don't think Curry would fight like Leonard regardless, because while he was a very good counter puncher due to his footwork and ability to fight at a controlled and comfortable in and out range, he didn't have the reflexes or handspeed of Leonard, which is what Leonard relied on primarily while fighting mostly flat-footed against Benitez. Curry generally opted to fight more offensively, especially against slicksters who he wouldn't have fared as well against at their game, regardless of whether or not Leonard had more power.

 

I'd pick the 1984 Donald Curry to outbox the 1979 Wilfred Benitez. Curry could box, was quick and, owned power at 147.... Wilfred Benitez was a master boxer with a radar like defense, but his power was marginal.... I do NOT give a f@#k if Benitez KO'd Mo Hope in 1981 at 154 pounds with one booming right hand, it was a fluke; never to be repeated ever again by Benitez.... Curry had power; Benitez did not.....

MR.BILL

P.S.

I thought the stoppage that Benitez suffered against Leonard in 1979 was somewhat bogus....... Benitez was tired and cut, but not on ***** street in the final few seconds of the 15th round.... I think Benitez could've finished that fight..... Benitez was behind, and he was going to lose to Leonard, though he could've finished the fight......

 

Both Curry and Benitez seemingly went to hell over night, as well........ Curry NEVER looked the same after his TKO loss to Honeyghan in '86, and Benitez looked timid against Tommy Hearns earlier in 1982..... BUT! Curry would win at 147, in a time machine....... Peace...

MR.BILL:hey

 

Benitez looked as good as he could've against Hearns. I thought both fighters showed fantastic technical prowess in that fight, Hearns was simply the more efficient offensive fighter, which nabbed him most of the rounds, though I thought most were close and Benitez fared noticeably better against Hearns than he did Leonard. From comparing the Leonard fight with some of Benitez's best performances, I can safely say (IMO) that Benitez was just not quite on his A game that night. Not as quick, sharp, controlled, etc. Then again it's possible a good portion of that had to do with Leonard, who was pitch perfect that night, and who I'd always favor over Benitez even if he was at his best.

Afterwards he fell off fast, starting after he moved up and down from MW against Hamsho and really taking effect with his ankle break loss to Davey Moore. Never the same again, and clearly wasn't the same during those fights.

 

I knew it was all over for Benitez after his 1987 ass-kicking KO loss to Matt Hilton on national television.... That was Benitez' most wicked beating he ever suffered as a pro.... After that, I no longer gave Benitez anymore of my attention....:nono

MR.BILL

 

I knew Curry was fodder in 1990 / '91 when he fought "Nunn & Norris" on cable TV..... Curry was a shell in those fights..... Sickening to even reflect on....

MR.BILL

 

Instead of Medal, Who would you take if Hearns defended his WBC Championship Against Curry?

 

I think Curry had more than just reasonable power Robbi.he was a very hard, debilitating puncher imo.

he hit hard enoough to potentiallu badly trouble Benitez with just a punch or two, though landing them would easier said than done.

 

I'd actually go for a draw. I think Benitez's defensive skill would rile Curry, who would be missing with his sharp power punches.

I think they would both box/fight in spurts and I'm afraid it's too hard for me to consider.