MW Tournament (Eliminatory Bout): Rocky Graziano VS George Benton

Georgie sidesteps and counters Rocky for 12 rounds before finishing off an exhausted Graziano in the 13th. But Rocky's right hand is a constant threat throughout the fight. Benton TKO 13 over Rocky.

Scartissue

 

Graziano could really hit, but Benton was a defensive savant who faced some hard punchers (Carter, Little) and was only stopped very late in his career (deadly punching Briscoe, corner retirement, and ATG P4Per LM Rodriguez, cut) so I'm going with him to pick his spots, utilise his radar, and put his shots together off of his sharp right hand counter. Benton would play it safe and whilst respected as a puncher in his day, would be content to box for points IMO.

Graziano will have his moments, but Benton will have too much to his game, and can survive any exchanges that he doesn't get the better of. Benton, decision.

Benton against Allen Thomas, probably known to most for being blitzed by Bob Foster
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMu1CMoIGuw[/ame]

Full Carter fight.
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5Fz462y_ug[/ame]

Against highly rated contender Boyd
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_jaZdo9Y2c[/ame]

 

Benton, UD. Clear. See above for a good rationale.