Duran Benitez '78

I think so, too....either that or comfortable UD. Duran would be super-fired up for this one, as he hated Benitez as much as he did Leonard.

 

What would Duran do differently to Benetiz at 140 than he did at 154 when he lost to Wilfred? He might hate him....but can he beat him?

(Interesting that Duran & Benetiz both beat WW Carlos Palomino)

 

Considering Benitez was only 19 in 1978. IMO he was not ready for a prime Duran. Although he most likely give Duran a good fight.

 

He might not do too much differently, he'd just do it far better and more effectively.

 

Wilfred was in his prime by 19.

 

True, But asking a 19 year old to take on the rampaging beast that was a prime Duran. Would be more than any 19 yr. old should be asked to handle. Wilfred had always been a cool customer, But Duran's aggressive antic's were very intimidating. Tough call. Pysically Benitez was in his prime yes, But not so sure if Benitez would have been mentally ready for Duran. Just due to his age. A later more seasoned Benitez was prepared for Duran & handled him quite easily.

 

Yes, but on the other hand that was far from the prime Duran we saw at LW, or would be fighting Benitez at 140.

Benitez showed how seasoned a professional he was at the age of just 17 when he schooled one of the best to fight at the 140 pound weight limit in Cervantes, so I don't think pitting him against another elite fighter with two further years of experience at the top level is out of line.

 

In a phsyical boxing match yeah. Benitez was at the top of his game already. But Cervantes was no Duran in attitude & aggressiveness. Even Leonard, who was a few years older in Montreal was slightly intimidated by Duran's aggressive nature.
Just an "X" factor that could sway into effect, if these two had indeed met at this point in time.

 

Duran was in his prime, Benitez wasn't quite in his yet, Duran UD or maybe late stoppage.

 

Pea, we had a debate on exactly when Benitez's prime was a few months ago. You said around the time of the Hearns and Duran fights in 1982. While I said it was during the late 70's. Maybe you regard his prime to be between 78-82.

 

I said he was still in his prime by the time of Duran/Hearns fights, I didn't say it began there (that wouldn't be plausible at all, as he'd start to fade out soon after those fights). I do think 154 was arguably his best weight though, in regards to how he looked at his best there. Oddly enough I thought he looked, at his best, better at both 140 and 154 than at 147.

 

Cool. "Maybe you regard his prime to be between 78-82" So I was right, somewhat. I was unsure as I changed my tune towards the end of my post.

 

I think he was at his peak when he defeated Maurice Hope & Duran at 154. Mentally & physically. In the late 70's he had sharper reflexes sure, But he was laxed in training habits & had problems with his father, Who was in his corner, & I believe pulled his hair during the Curry fight, as they were arguing inbetween rounds, if I remember correctly.

 

I agree.