In the late 1980s, I used to watch a TV show called "The Sportswriters on TV" that featured 3 sportswriters and the host and moderator, Ben Bentley. They were all from the Chicago area. Occasionally, there would be a reference to Bentley's boxing background. Apparently he was a friend of Carmen Basilio, and was he ring announcer for some fights in the 1950s.
What I was really interested is Bentley also a promoter? wikipedia mentions that he was a promoter but I have never heard that anywhere else.
Thought Seamus or expug or someone would happen to know?
Ben Bentley?
Re: Ben Bentley?
I started watching the fights on TV in 1955 when I was eight and the Wednesday night fights were my favorites. I always thought they were usually superior in quality matches to the Friday night fights. I still remember every wednesday the thrill of hearing TV announcer Jack Drees beginning the show as the camera gave a nighttime view of the city (usually Chicago) and announced "The Wednesday Night Fights are on the air," then shortly after, calling up to the ring to Ben Bentley for the pre fight introductions. Drees and Bentley were the tops in their profession. (imo).
Bentley rubbed shoulders and had cordial relations with people in high places and with people in low places and never missed a beat. I would have loved to discuss with him his days as a man about town during this era in Chicago.
Bentley rubbed shoulders and had cordial relations with people in high places and with people in low places and never missed a beat. I would have loved to discuss with him his days as a man about town during this era in Chicago.
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Ambling Alp II
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Re: Ben Bentley?
Some interesting comments. Thanks for the links crib 73.
Doesn't appear that he actually a promoter. He was an interesting character.
Doesn't appear that he actually a promoter. He was an interesting character.
Re: Ben Bentley?
I remember the Sportswriters with Bentley, Bill Gleason, Rick Telander and others. I remember Bentley was Jewish and from Humboldt Park, here's another link http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2001 ... basketball
Re: Ben Bentley?
He was the ring announcer for a fight of mine. I look back fondly at that. proud of it.
He was a mainstay for a long time.
He was a mainstay for a long time.