Gregorio 'Papa' Benitez 'How I Pimped Out My Kids'

Gregorio 'Papa' Benitez,

How the father of the Puerto Rican 'fighting brothers' pimped out his
kids, in order to satisfy his thirst for 'fast women and slow horses'.

Story to follow -:-(

 

From the beginning,

Gregorio 'Papa' Benitez, born in 1929, in Puerto Rico.

As a 15 year-old (in 1945) Gregorio 'Goyo' Benitez, who liked to box, would earn $1.00 per Round,
fighting 'street bouts' in Puerto Rico. At 5' 8" and 140 lbs., 'Goyo' as he liked to be called, could handle
himself fairly well.

And by his own account, he would sometimes fight 'three' 3-Rounders on a Friday Night. Anything for 'dinero'
he would later say. He would compete in these 'street bouts' for nearly 3-years, where he stated that he
had well over '350' street bouts.

In 1948, the 19 year-old moved to New York (South Bronx) where he would get a job at an Autobody Shop,
as a body repairman, then later as the paint specialist.

Soon thereafter he got married, to Clara Rosa. Gregorio, who never turned to professional boxing himself,
would routinely frequent the New York City Boxing Gyms, as well as attend the fights held at Madison Square Garden
(New York City) and Sunnyside Gardens (Queens).

For extra money, he would as an assistant cornerman (second), and occassionally help train young, and up and
coming boxers. But soon, he was starting his family with his wife Clara Rosa.

With visions of starting his own Benitez Boxing Family, things didn't start the way he wanted, as Gregorio's and
Clara Rosa's first four children were 'girls'.

Evelyn, Kleo, Yvonne and then Mary.

 

Gregorio 'Papa' Benitez finally got what he wanted.

Boys, and '4' of them.

Gregorio Jr. (1955)
Alphonso (1956)
Frankie (1957)
Wilfred {1958}

In 1963, 'Papa Benitez' was already entering the 8 year-old Gregorio Jr. into 'Junior Tournaments'.

And in 1965, 'Papa Benitez' would set up 'schoolyard bouts' at the P.S. 124 School in The South Bronx,
near East Tremont Avenue and East 177th Street.

For .50 cents, or $1.00, you could watch these 'little matches' -depending on 'Papa Benitez' need
for 'cash'. 'Papa Benitez' would routinely set up boxing matches between the local street kids, and
his '4' kids. In many boxing matches, 'Papa Benitez' would also have the little 5 year-old Wilfred slug it out
with 7 and 8 year olds.

Like a 'carny' at a circus, the elder Benitez could draw up to as much as $75 for these Saturday Afternoon
'get togethers', with 100 of the locals showing up.

The winners of the matches, would either get a soda, some candy, or $1.00.

 

July 1966,

Gregorio 'Papa' Benitez

Packed up the family, and moved them to Saint Justs, Puerto Rico.

Saint Justs is located approximattely 20 miles south of San Juan.

Within a year, Gregorio built a 'boxing area' in the backyard behind his
single-story 'yellow house', to help train his kids, and other young
boxers from Carolina, Puerto Rico.

By late-1966, the 11 year-old Gregorio Jr., the leader of the 'Boxing Benitez Brothers', was
the one responsible to teach the youngest brother 8 year-old (62 lb.) Wilfred on the skills of
boxing, and training.

Both, the 10 year-old Alphosno and the 9 year-old Frankie were also learning their trade.

 

Ledge-Head,

Gregorio Benitez Jr. (Born, February 1955)

Started boxing in 1963, in the schoolyards of PS 214 in the South Bronx,
New York.

When 'Papa Benitez' moved the family to Saint Just, Puerto Rico in June 1966,
Gregorio (age 11) was put through the 'boxing mill' by his father.

By 1968, Gregorio Jr. had compiled a record of 51-6 in Puerto Rican Junior Tournaments.

By 1969, the 5' 7" - 14 year-old Gregorio had developed into a pretty good boxer, and
was teaching other neighborhood kids how to box. He was competing at the
Bantamweight Level (54 Kg = 119 lbs.), and Gregorio Jr. had won an 'under-15 National Junior
Puerto Rican Golden Gloves Tournament.

One of the things Gregorio Jr. could do with perfection, was to switch from the orthodox
stance to the southpaw stance, and back with smooth skills, something he later taught
to the youngest Benitez, Wilfred.

By the end of 1969, 14 1/2 year-old - Gregorio Jr. had moved up to the heavier and much more difficult
Featherweight Division (57 Kg = 126 lbs.). Gregorio Jr. was by far 'The Best Boxer of the Benitez
Brothers', and many of the 'smart boxing guys' in Carolina, Puerto Rico predicted he
would bring back a Championship someday.

The one problem with Gregprio Jr. was that he was bow-legged, and would sometimes
get his feet tangled-up when moving side-to-side. To combat that, 'Papa Benitez'
would tell his son to stand and fight, and exchange with his opponent instead of
moving.

In early-February 1970, upon entering the Puerto Rican Golden Gloves, the now 15 year-old
Gregorio Jr. was listed a 'Favorite' to win the Featherweight Divsion, and with a
122-14 record, he had the experience.

But, in the 1970 Tournament, Gregorio Jr. was 'upset' in the Quarter-Finals by a faster kid,
named Luis Rodriguez.

Tha 'loss', also cost Gregorio Jr. a spot on the Puerto Rican National Boxing Team, which
was heading to Panama City, Panama to compete in the 1970 Central American and Caribbean
Games Boxing Championships from February 26 thru March 14.

Disgusted with his son's performance in a 'High Prestige Tournament', 'Papa Benitez',
took the now 15 year-old out of the amateurs, and turned him 'professional.

Later, 'Papa Benitez' told his 15 year-old son, 'You embarrassed me in front of all my
friends. I will never forgive you.'

On April 6, 1970 - the 15 year-old and 2-month, 126 lb. Gregorio Bentiez Jr. turned
professional, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

 

Gregorio Benitez Jr.

Fron April 6 thru April 1, 1972 - Gregorio Jr. fought only in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

And only '4' and '6' Rounders, against a litany of 'cannon fodders' and 'mango pickers'.

But, by April 1972 - 'Papa' Benitez had guided his eldest son to a 19-0-0 (6 KO's) record.

If anything was learned, it was that Gregorio Jr. could box, and very well against
third-rate opponents. But the persistent problem of poor ring movement, and lack of
big punch brought concerns to the father. Plus, Gregorio Jr. with his new stationary
style, was taking quite a few punches, even from the poor competition.

 

April 1972

Gregorio Benitez Jr.

The 17 year-old - 130 lb. Gregorio Jr. passed his 'first test', when on April 3, 1972
he went 10-Rounds 'first time' as he scored a Unanimous Decision over 'perenial
loser' Angel Rivera (10-27-5).

That victory got the 17 year-old with a 20-0-0 record - an invite to the Felt Forum in New York City
for a Monday Night - June 5th date, and his biggest fight purse of $1000.

With the whole Benitez Family in attendance, the 'undefeated' Gregorio Jr. took on Ecuadorian Super-Featherweight
'Taco' Guilleromo 9-2-0 (2 KO's) in a scheduled 6-Rounder.

Gregorio Jr. won a hard-fought 6-Round Decision, to the thrill of the Benitez family. But 'Papa Benitez' was
enraged with his son, for failing to score a decisive win. 'Papa' was seen 'hitting' his son after the bout, and
screaming in a tirade over his ring performance.

Note: New York State requires a professional boxer to be a minimum age of 18, to enter the ring in a
sanctioned professional bout.

 

Friday Night - July 21, 1972

Singer Bowl - Queens, New York

17 year-old 'undefeated' Gregorio Benitez at 20-0-0 (6 KO's) is undefeated no more.

In a shortened bout, from 8-Rounds to 4-Rounds, the 127 lb. Gregorio gets floored 'twice'
in the 4th Round, and loses a 'Majority Decision' to 'talented' Puerto Rican Featherweight
20 year-old - Eduardo Santiago 10-2-0 (4 KO's).

No embarrassment, as Eduardo was the 1970 National A.A.U Champion at (112 lbs.) Flyweight, and
had also won the 1969 New York Golden Gloves at (106 lbs.) Light-Flyweight and 1970 New York
Golden Gloves at (112 lbs.) Flyweight - to go along with an incredible 165-14 amateur record.

But, in the loss, Gregorio got hit by every punch in the book, and was absorbing too many
blows, as his defense was 'extremely poor', and his legs were weak by the 4th Round.

As punishment for his 'first loss', 'Papa Benitez' forces Gregorio to spar with bigger fighters,
which is supposed to 'toughen his fighting spirit'.

 

After the loss to Edwin Santiago in July 1972 -

'Papa Benitez' put Gregorio Jr. though an intense '4-month' training program, which
included sparring with 'bigger fighters' every day, as well as working on his balance,
which was affected by a set of 'bow-legs'.

In November 1972 - 'Papa Benitez' took his 17 1/2 year-old son Gregorio Jr. and
his Lightweight Prospect - Esteban De Jesus to Madison Square Garden, for each to
particpate on big boxing card.

Esteban De Jesus was fighting the 'Main Event' versus WBA Lightweight Champion -
Roberto Duran.

In one of the 'undercards' -

The 17 1/2 year-old - Gregorio Jr. at 131 lbs. and with a 20-1-0 (6 KO's) record, would
be taking on 20 year-old 130 lb. - Vilomar Fernandez, an 11-1-0 (3 KO's) 'stylist' from
the Dominican Republic - in a 6-Rounder

The Fight

From the outset, it was obvious that the Puerto Rican teenager was 'no match' for the
older Fernandez, as time after time, Vilomar would catch Gregorio Jr. with right-hand
'sucker punches' as he moved in.

In Round 4, Vilomar deposited Gregorio Jr. on the canvas with a right-hand/left hook.
Gregorio Jr. was on 'shaky pins', and his legs gave out near the end of the round,
as he just fell to the canvas without getting hit.

In Round 5, he was felled again by a right hand lead. But he did manage to hang on
by moving and sliding, and clinching.

In Round 6, Gregorio Jr. had no legs, and Vilomar pinned the 17 1/2 year-old on the ropes,
and just worked him over for the full '3' minutes, enroute to winning a 'one-sided' 6-Round Decision.

Aftermath

After the beating, 'Papa Benitez' immediately retired Gregorio Jr. - who's career ended
with a record of 20-2-0 (6 KO's), and he was only 17 years, and 8 months old.

From that point on, Gregorio Jr. was put in charge of training the other brothers, and
was offered up as a 'sparring partner' for Gregorio's other 20 or so boxers that he
handled.

End Result

By 1991, the 36 year-old Gregorio Jr. was suffering from 'brain damage' as a result of too
many bouts when he was a youngster, and the many rounds he served as a sparring
partner for other boxers in the Puerto Rican Gym battles.

 

Alphonso Benitez.

The 'second' oldest of the Boxing Benitez Brothers, born in May 1956.

Called the 'most clever' of the boxing group, Alphonso did not like boxing,
as he enjoyed school, and wanted to go on to be an electrical engineer.

Alphonso sparred occasionally with his brothers, but was more into his friends
and girls. Though he boxed well, he had no interest in competing, and he despised
training.

Though at his fathers urging, Alphonso ended up competing in the 1972 Puerto Rican
Golden Gloves, where he made it to the Quarter-Finals as a 132 lb. (60 Kg) Lightweight
in the Novice Division.

After compiling a 20-1 record though May 1974, the now 18 year-old Alphonso decided
not to continue boxing, and informed his father that he wanted to go to college, and
enrolled for the September 1974 semester.

Infuriated, Gregorio 'Papa' Benitez threw Alphonso out of the house. Later, Alphonso
told his father that he needed money for school books, and other neccessities.

To make him earn his keep, 'Papa' Benitez scheduled a professional bout for his son
on the Caribbean Island of St. Croix, for early-September 1974.

Alphonso, with his father 'Papa' and Gregorio Jr. - went to the island, where the
18 year-old scored a 'knockout' (KO 4) over Ricardo Morgan.

Alphonso picked up a fight purse of $200, and ended his professional boxing career
on that 'note'.

Soon there-after, Alphonso slowly distanced himself from his father 'Papa', and only came
around to watch his brothers Frankie and Wilfred fight.

By 1982, Alphonso came back into the picture to help co-manage Wilfred, but by
1985 he more-or-less left the Boxing Benitez Family.

 

Frankie 'The Terror' Benitez

The third oldest of 'The Boxing Benitez Brothers'

Born on July 14, 1957

The 'stone-faced stalker', with shattering power in both fists. Clearly the 'hardest'
hitter of the brothers.

At 5' 9", he was the 'tallest' of the family in 1975.

Like all of the Benitez Boys, he was also thrown into amateur boxing in March 1967, at age 9 1/2.
By the end of 1972, the 15 year-old Frankie had accumulated a record of 125-12 with
(55) knockouts, and was regarded as one of the best Puerto Rican amateur Featherweights.

Another one, with numerous Tournament Trophies and Certificates, and Frankie clearly had the
potential to be a star.

In February 1973, he won the Puerto Rican Golden Gloves in the (125 lb.) Featherweight Division,
and then 'Papa' Benitez forced Frankie to go professional.

Turning professional on April 16, 1973 in San Juan, at age 15 years, 9 months - Frankie fighting as
130 lb. Super-Featherweight, and within 1-year, ran off '12' straight wins, and '11' by knockout.

The word out there, was that he was 'crazy' in the ring, and threw 'killer punches' with reckless abandon.

 

By the end of 1973 , Gregorio 'Papa' Benitez had built a boxing gym in backyard of
his home, and also had started the 'National Gym', which helped train boxers.

Now, any of the Benitez Brothers, and boxers that 'Papa' Benitez trained, donned
the 'National Gym' clothing wear.

Monday Night - April 1, 1974 (San Juan)

Participating on a 'fight card' with Alfredo Escalera and younger brother Wilfred,
16 1/2 year-old Frankie at 12-0-0 (11 KO's) will be having his first bout in the
135 lb. Lightweight Division, in a scheduled 8-Rounder.

His opponent, 18 year-old - Ladiel 'Borituck' Negron, also a 'hard-hitting' youngster
with a record of 10-3-0 (9 KO's).

Frankie, opened up with a barrage of punches, and from every angle, trying to take
his opponent out. But, by Round 4, Frankie was 'gassed', and was getting pounded
all over the ring by Ladiel.

In Round 6, Ladiel dropped Frankie with a crushing right hand, and after getting up at
the 8-Count, Ladiel tore into the exhausted Benitez. After seeing his son getting hit
with several hard punches, 'Papa' Benitez threw in the towell. It was Frankie's first loss.

After the bout, 'Papa' Benitez took the $400 fight purse his son was supposed to
receive, and kept it, as punishment.

Later, 'Papa' Benitez said, 'Frankie didn't train for this fight properly, so he doesn't deserve
to get any money.'

 

Following the 'knockout' loss on April 1, 1974

'Papa' Benitez put Frankie through the 'grinder mill', by forcing him to run
7 miles ever moring (4:30 AM), and put in 10-Rounds of sparring with
150 lb. boxers.

7-weeks later, the nearly 17 year-old 135 lb. Frankie was back in the ring, and
scored '3' straight victories (1 by KO), bringing hismark to 15-1-0 (12 KO's).

On Friday - October 25, 1974 - Frankie was brought into Madison Square Garden, with
younger Wilfred, to participate in a 'fight card'.

The 17 year-old Frankie, was matched against Canadian Lightweight Champion -
a 'skillfull' 22 year-old -Johnny Summerhays, with a record of 21-3-2 (7 KO's).

In his 'best performance as a pro to date', Frankie boxed beautifully over the first
'5-Rounds', and then battered an out-gunned Summerhays in Round 6. The Canadian
could not answer the bell for Round 7, and it goes down as a TKO 6 for Frankie,
who upped his record to 16-1-0 (13 KO's).