Has any boxer ever achieved a greater feat?. At the time Benetiz was 17 years old and had been highly rated by the WBC since he was 15 I believed. Despite the split judges decision (even though the fight took place in Benetiz's Puerto Rico) Benetiz clearly was the superior man to Cervantes. Antonio had defended his tite 10 times and just a year later after the Benetiz loss he won a title again which he defended 6 times. While Cervantes is not a legend he is very highly regarded by those who have seen him. Personally I don't know a huge deal about him but when you look at evreything its a huge accomplishment. Is this the greatest achievement ever from a boxer and if you think not were does it rank?
This was a towering achievement..I'm surprised Benitez isn't lauded more for it. Beating Cervantes..Antonio Cervantes at age 17.
Definitely one for the record books , being the youngest champ. That 17 year old kid UDs any of the 140 guys today.
I love Wilfred, but the only reason Antonio Cervantes took that fight in Puerto Rico, was that he was guranteed a return bout (if he lost) within 6-months, and in Columbia or Venezuela, in (October 1976). Papa Benetiz went back on his word, and Antonio got to keep the 'escrow' money that was put on hold. In February 1977, the WBA stripped Benetiz, when he refused to meet Cervantes. I thought the Cervantes vs. Benetiz bout was a Draw.
I thought Benitez won handily. Masterclass of a performance if you ask me, although I've heard dissenting opinions.
Who cares if he was promised a rematch? Are you saying he didnt try hard because he knew he had a rematch? Bull****. Cervantes was a badass with a take no prisoners attitude. If he could have beat Benitez on the first go round he would have.
Now Now Mr K. I did not post, that Antonio Cervantes didn't try. Only, that Antonio Cervantes agreed to fight Wilfred in Puerto Rico,,, if Wilfred would agree to give him a rematch in Columbia or Venezuela. if he lost. Papa and Wilfred agreed, and also put up some cash in escrow. Wilfred forfeited, and the escrow account, went to Antonio. It was a win-win for Antonio, who got the Title back in 1977. I wonder how Wilfred would have handled a hostile Columbia crowd.
It's funny, in a way you would think a huge standup counterpuncher and one-two straight punching fighter like Antonio would fare quite well against the counterpunching defensive specialists. His hands often being as quick as the average middleweight\super middle just did him right in against them though.
Though Antonio Cervantes was one-cool cat under-pressure, he may have been slightly intimidated in that outdoor coliseum, when fighting the 'Wunderkind'. In Columbia, Antonio does the same thing to Wilfred, and wins a close decision.
