I was always a fan of Wilfred Benitez. I mean anyone who could win a world title at the age of seventeen has to be considered “special.” To win titles in three different weight classes, (140,147+154) by the age of twenty two means he was much more then just special. He was just down right gifted. Wilfred beat Hall Of Fame inductee Antonio Cervantes to capture his first title. In that bout Benitez just out speed-ed the somewhat wooden “Kid Pambele.” Wilfred won his second world title by defeating another Hall Of Fame inductee Carlos Palomino. This was the slick Benitez at his cunning best. BUT… It was the fight in which Wilfred won his third world title that impressed me the most. That was when he defeated the respectable Maurice “Mo” Hope. Now Hope is not in the Hall Of Fame and it is doubtful that he ever will be. Nevertheless he was a solid and legitimate champion at 154 pounds.
I just watched a replay of Benitez-Hope the other day. What I saw was a Benitez who was beginning to mature. Not just in self discipline but in physical stature. Hope was a strong, capable southpaw and he started the fight as the aggressor. By the fourth round though there was a subtle turn of events. Now it was Benitez moving forward surprising and confusing Hope and the Caesar’s Palace crowd. Unlike most Benitez fights there were a lot of mid ring, close quarter exchanges. Most of which were in Wilfred’s favor. There was also one other thing. Benitez was going to Hope’s body often and effectively. This was not a Benitez trademark yet it was the Benitez body attack that began to break down Hope.
With each passing round Mo was hopelessly losing ground. By the eighth Benitez began to land some telling counter shots to the head. Hope was game but he was obviously shaken by these punches. In the tenth a Benitez right to the head floored Hope. Maurice gamely got up and fought on but the writing was on the wall. In the eleventh Benitez looked like a man on a mission. His eyes were constantly focused, looking for that one big shot.The opening Wilfred was searching for finally came in the twelfth round. Benitez maneuvered Hope to the ropes and launched a right hand that landed flush. Hope stiffened and then fell to the canvas. Benitez flashed a smug smirk and moved to a neutral corner. As Hope laid inert his body began to tremble at the count of five. Quickly ringside doctors came to his aid. It was as good a right hand as I’ve ever seen thrown.
To me that night was Wilfred Benitez at his peak. He had speed, strength and power to go along with his his amazing defensive skills. It was the best,the very best of Benitez. By Jim Amato Sr.