Yes .a brilliant fighter now in a poor state sadly and largely forgotten by all but hard core fans.started too young and went on to long .but at his best very few could beat him.
He was incredible, unfortunately he was in the mix with several other ATG's so he never did have the chance to dominate an era. He made history and achieved a god deal though.
Incredible boxer. The Radar, could see the punches coming before they were thrown. Similar reflexes as prime Jones Jnr and Ali
He was great. Beat Cervantes and won the title at 140 at the youngest age ever. Beat Palomino and fought Leonard and Hearns and Duran, and beat Duran easily over 15 rounds. He outclassed Duran. And Hearns who could hit anyone missed him with the right. Hearns won a decision, but Benitez looked good. Hearns was just the great Hearns.
Benitez, (when he trained), on his best night, would be very difficult for any top welterweight. But he did have fights when he was not totally prepared, and his "lesser" opponent should have gotten the win.
Great for sure. If he'd been more disciplined we would have been talking about the Fab 5 today instead of 4.
Certainly a great fighter. Perhaps didn't get as much out of his ability as he could have. As it stands he did plenty. Youngest champion at age 17 I believe.
He was the kind of guy that I wouldn't let my boxer get in there with, like Augustus Burton. Very tricky....he fought as well off the ropes, maybe better, than in the middle of the ring.
I would call a great Benitez a great talent who was prone to under performing, almost throughout the entirety of his career. Certainly one of the most exceptional defensive fighters of all time. When he was on, he was indeed flirting with greatness.