Happy Birthday to Two Boxing Legends

[elmersalsa]

Today's the birthday of two hall of famers: Wilfred Benitez and Lennox Lewis. Two forgotten all-time greats of boxing.

Happy Birthday to both of you champs!

[scorpio83]

Actually, it was El Radar's 68th birthday today while Lennox Lewis had already turned 61 10 days earlier on September 2 not 12th.

Anyways, Happy Birthday to both legends.

[giacomino]

Neither are "forgotten"

[JC]

I wouldn’t have guessed them being that close in age as I associate them with totally different eras. But I suppose Benitez turned pro very young and Lennox relatively old.

[Expug]

It’s worth checking exploring the relationship between Benitez and Chicago former fighter Luis Mateo.
I remember back in 1983 Wilfred came to the old US arena boxing gym here in Chicago. He was with Carlos Deleon.
He must’ve had some type of relationship with Mateo or they got to know each other then.
I used to spar with Mateo frequently. He was a good fighter who fought Randy Shields and Pipino Cuevas.
Anyway, in later years Mateo brought Benitez to Chicago to get care for him due to the serious trauma due to boxing injuries. Mateo took him in and helped take care of him. I’m not sure where it is now but as of a few years ago he was here in Chicago