Wilfred Benitez 1982 vs Mike Mccallum 1987 154 lbs

I think Benitez out-points him handily. Mike was kinda like Arguello without the same game changing power, though he could punch. Very solid technically, but he utilized those techniques just a bit too slowly to work against the best boxers. And Benitez was among the very best.

 

100% concur.

The Benitez of the Duran fight schools McCallum.

 

Tough fight. I think Benitez did better at 154 than Donald Curry did and Curry was out boxing McCallum handily before getting stopped with a big punch. Not sure but it would be close

 

McCallum was just too slow and methodical for an A-game Benitez.

Benitez was outgunned by Leonard and Hearns primarily because their handspeed.

When Benitez could beat a guy to punch he was quite a puzzle to solve.

 

Completely agree. Slicksters were McCallums toughest match.

 

As all other posters have noted ( So far) Benitez's skill and speed would be a nightmare for any version of McCallum. McCallum was tremendous against fighters who came at him, and allowed him to showcase his countering ability. But fighters like Kalamby, Toney, Curry ( Before he got K'oed) and Jones Jr. Demonstrates his problem with highly skilled, and fast boxers. ( Its the reason I don't believe he beats a Leonard, or Hearns) Benitez would make McCallum feel like he has to fight aggressively and lead, and in doing that he'd fall right into Benitez's trap and consistently be countered.
The "Bible of Boxing". Walks away with a close but unanimous dec 12, or 15 rds.

 

I agree about Benitez's slickness being problematic for McCallum, but McCallum has advantages in reach and height. A pretty big one in reach, which would make it easier for him to go to the body.

I don't agree with this narrative that Curry was clearly outboxing McCallum before being KO'd out of nowhere. Curry landed some strong right hands that had him in the lead (but not that big on the judges's cards or on Clancy's, who was commentating), but McCallum was also doing some good work and set up that left hook.

 

I thought a 36-year old McCalum won the rematch against Toney, so I have a hard time not making the younger version a favourite against Benitez, who had much the same qualities as Toney but was much smaller.

As for Mike's problem with slick boxers... Arguably he has only one loss in five fights against Curry, Kalambay and Toney. Considering he was in his mid 30's against Toney, I don't think that shows a particular weakness. These were overall the best fighters he met when he was anywhere near his prime, after all.

 

McCallum will get countered to death every time he throws that long wide right hand to the body he threw from way outside.
he might have thrown that punch more than he jabbed. Benetiz w12 by a fairly comfortable margin.

 

McCallum always found a way to adapt in order to win. Bar the 1 time against Kalambay and he avenged that defeat

 

I like the Body Snatcher in a very close fight. I think Benitez has moments in the fight where he is winning rounds on his boxing ability but as the fight goes on I see McCallum slowing him down with his strength and body punching. I won't argue with anyone that sees Benitez winning on points but I personally like McCallum in this one.

 

Benitez, UD By 8-7 or 9-6 type of decision. His experience would kick in at crucial times in the fight, and he would just edge it.

 

Wilfred Benitez decisions Mike The Body Snatcher McCallum by unanimous decision. Mike was one of the best at punching the body but he struggled against slick fighters like in the early going against Donald The Lone Star Cobra Curry, before he brutally knocked him out. Benitez would give Mike a surgical boxing clinic, especially sliding against the ropes, where he excels at, counterpunching.