H2H Benitez is the GOAT at 140

Not a foregone conclusion that Benitez would have beaten a 140-lb version of Duran either.

 

The style to beat a slick defensive fighter is perpetual pressure. Few men can fight like that though, Armstrong is still the blueprint.

 

I don't think he would have, but given what transpired when they fought at 154 who knows.

The problem most people have win it comes to picking winners and losers in these scenarios (besides the fact it's basically guess work to some degree) is that no two fights are the same. Witness Lewis - Rahman I & II, or SRL I and II. But most people just take into account what actually transpired and project it as if it's been poured in concrete.

My personal view is that a 140lb Duran would have been pretty close to unbeatable if he stayed trained and focused.

 

I'd say Pryor, he'd be ( Benitez) so busy on defense probably couldn't mount a offense. Pryor by split maybe unanimous dec. Whitaker, Mayweather? At that weight Don't see either having the fire power to really give Benitez problems. Remember Benitez gave Leonard fits for 15 rds. And Leonard hit a hellava lot harder than those two guys, and just as fast, if not faster at the welter limit. Chavez at that weight was beginning to slow down, wouldnt be that big of a threat for a focus and in shape Benitez.

 

Also Henry Armstrong. He would've kept Benitez so busy on def, probably wouldn't be able to amount a offense. Maybe Taylor before Chavez too. He was also perpetual motion.

 

Wasn't that impressed by Benitez's performance against Leonard. I only gave him 4 or 5 rounds, max. I don't see anything in that performance that suggests that he'd be able to deal with smart, cagey boxers like Whitaker and Mayweather. Completely different offensive styles than Leonard (Mayweather in particular is more accurate and craftier on offense). Don't see any reason why either of them would need any more firepower to outscore Benitez.

 

Chavez and Ortiz are very accurate, disciplined and determined fighters.

Benitez will move his head flawlessly against any man jabbing him. But when these two beasts are giving up rounds to land heavy hooks to the body, when they're punching as hard an accurate in round 10 as they were in round 1, Benitez can't run for that long against such elite pressure fighters.

Chavez and Ortiz aren't going to try to set themselves exchanging jabs, they will walk through Benitez to land to the body, when he slows down the stretch they will start to head hunt and at that point if they've invested enough downstairs they will be able to cash the cheque upstairs.

That's how I see him being beaten.

For the record I think Armstrong and Duran does it as well but they never competed at this weight.

 

Need to find some Ortiz fights. Seems like I'm missing out.

 

Your right, Whitaker and Mayweather are completely different from Leonard offensively, there not close in aggressiveness are hit nearly as hard esp at around that weight limit. Benitez is bigger than both Whitaker and Mayweather Just as skilled fighting those two fighters who he'd know are absulutly no real threat to knock him out. Both Mayweather and Whitaker are headhunters, and that also falls right into Benitezs strength. So summary to me is Two lighthitting natural jr.lightweights fighting a natural jr welt/welterweight who fought 3 of the most complete fighters in history in Leonard Hearns and Duran, and aging but still very good Cervates, Losing two and winning two. All competitive fights, with maybe the exception of the two Benitez wins which were convincing. I don't see Mayweather or Whitaker being able to beat a well trained and motivated Benitez. But that's my opinion and Ive given my reasons for those opinions.

 

Pretty good opinion if you ask me. :good

 

And did you really write Mayweather is more accurate and craftier offensively than Leonard? Well he should be, Mayweathers fighting the Bertos,Gattis and Gerreros of the world or men beyond and way beyond the primes Mosely, Dela Hoya, Pac etc, So yeah against that competition he should be more accurate.

 

The Leonard and Hearns fights weren't competitive imo. Benitez was outmatched in both and never in either fight.

How is Benitez going to land on Mayweather or Whitaker?

Is your theory that because Benitez wouldn't fear being knocked out, he would suddenly change his style, take chances, and walk through their punches?

And btw, Mayweather went to the body plenty at 140, to set up his head punches.