15 rounds at super welterweight. The fast, dynamic Norris against the counter puncher extraordinare, Benitez. Who and why?
A prime Wilfred Benitez outboxes and even decks Terry Norris along the way to a spirited and very entertaining 15 round decision.
I think that Norris beats Benitez in a Taylor beat Hopkins kind of way. A way that has the loser looking like the better fighter. Norris' heavier hands would make the difference in scoring.
I seem to recall Benitez schooling Duran at 154, a Duran who had something to prove after quitting vs SRL. About 13 rounds to 2 by many cards.
Fight will be close imo. I don't see Norris knocking Benitez out, though it is a possibility. I think Hearns and Leonard were more accurate punchers, just as fast as Norris, and they couldn't accomplish the feat (legitimately, that is. Premature stoppage against Leonard for sure). I see Norris throwing more, but probably landing about the same as Benitez. If Norris does win, it will probably be more through his ineffective aggression which does tend to be looked favourably upon by many judges.
What do you think of this one Duo, you're a bit of a Benitez fan and know just how good he was. I think he has a great shot.
Didn't Benetiz tie both Palamino and Duran into knots trying to get clean shots on him? SR Leonard had trouble hitting him. I don't know what Norris would do after 6-7 rounds of getting peppered by numerous inside shots. Shoot, Benitez might even land that bizarre punch that knocked out Maurice Hope.
