what do you think of the myth that benitez sometimes did not train before fights?

Though I have no way of verifying it, if I had to guess I'd say Benitez was full of ****. He probably didn't train as hard as many others, but he probably trained all the same and not just for a couple of weeks before fights like he claimed.

 

Another theory could be that he might have been in tough working conditions that created his stamina. And he might have been good at boxing by fighting a lot as a child, and perhaps idolizing the sport at the same time. Just a guess though...

 

You'd be surprised. A lot of guys didn't/don't train as diligently for fights as they should.

 

In all likely hood, Benitez was in shape for the majority of his youth. He may not have trained like he should when he became an adult, but he probably never completely lost the fitness from his early years by remaining somewhat active. I don't think he went through years of inactivity, and growing into a big fat man, only to simply show up for a fight untrained.

 

Before some of his televised matches, Wilfred was shown in training. Like Harry Greb, he conditioned himself more than he preferred his opponents to believe. However, he never trained so hard that he wore his body down in the process, the way Bruce Curry did during his late career title run.

In contrast to this, some have claimed that Ray Leonard did not train as hard as many of his victims, but established such a strong routine that he was able to maintain top condition. Ray always entered his training camps weighing less than the maximum weight of the division he would be boxing in. Weight control can go a long way towards extending an athletic career.

 

I know Ray Leonard said him and Benitez were equal just that he trained for 7 weeks while Benitez only tarined for two weeks.

 

From memory, it was Gregorio Benitez, his father/trainer that started that story. They had a love/hate relationship going, and Gregorio was always pissed off at his insolent son. For all we know, he could have circulated that story just to get his son's goat.

 

Good reading. Totally agree with weight control, tho not 100% creditable able look at a guy like Hopkins.

 

No, not 100% credible, but certainly Monzon found cigarettes to be an effective weight control measure. It can certainly help not to ever subject the joints of an overweight body to a training regimen.

I recall that Bruce Finch was running ten miles a day in training for Ray, while SRL only did a couple miles of roadwork.

Before Johnny Owen's tragic outcome against Lupe Pintor, I recall it being mentioned that Owen ran 15 miles a day in training. Yet, it was Owen who was wearing down as the bout progressed, against one of the most physically powerful bantamweight champions of all time. Lupe was a miniature tank.

 

I remember before the Leonard-Benetiz title fight, Wilfred
was dating Ray's sister.

"Taking care of business.....working overtime".

 

Sorry mate, i was in a hurry and didn't post my thoughts properly. Let me try again

Tho i wouldn't give keeping trim and staying in good shape week in week out 100% credit for Hopkins unbelievable longevity he is certainly a great example of the likely benefits. I actually agree a lot with your post.

 

Weren't they engaged?

 

No problem. Weight control hardly explains the freakish longevity of a Duran, and it was specifically him I had in mind while making my statement.