Contested over twelve, at 147lbs. Two extremely skilled pure boxers, arguably near the #1 spot in that department in their respective eras, though both were overshadowed by overall greater fighters. Each lost to guys they shouldn't have, but very late in the game in both cases. Benítez in his lengthy prime spanning eleven years only lost to a pair of All Time Greats and the much bigger and beastly Hamsho. Forrest arguably never lost during his - you could argue Mayorga caught him at the very back end of his prime, but he was also eleven years deep into his pro career when that happened. Benítez was 123-6 in the amateurs, Forrest 225-15 and was an Olympian. h2h, both rank very highly at welterweight but there are styles out there which could be anathema to both men even in their primes. You won't find too many superior pure boxers at the weight in history, though. Forrest had 2" of height and 3" of reach on Benítez and was a master of exploiting those advantages, which he usually held over most opponents. Benítez, however, may have been the more well-rounded and possessed the higher ring IQ (which is a mouthful, as Forrest had quite a high one himself)
Tough fight for both fighters. Forrest frustrates Benitez by tying up or smothering, He uses his height and jab well enough to win a ugly Decision.
Benitez would have to have his head on straight in preparation for and during the bout, but I think he gets over the line. Vernon's attacking style I reckon suits Wilfred..Maybe a little to textbook majority of his work, Benitez is going to know the trajectory of those straight punches. But also maybe a bit to wild when he cuts loose and tries to bomb. Not enough creamy middle. I don't think Forrest's feet are quick enough to maneuver around Benitez and really extenuate that reach advantage even more. Of course this all relies on Benitez actually giving a ****..Training hard so he is sharp as a tac and being prepared to stay on point for 12 x 3's.
