BoxRec

When the topics of Philly fighters and best Middleweights who never became World champ or the careers of Hagler, Monzon and Valdez are talked about 'Bad' Bennie is always mentioned.

Bennie was an iron jawed teak tough Middlewieght wrecking machine who came along when the Middleweight division had a deep pool of talent just look at the names he fought Hagler, Antuofermo, Valdez, Monzon, Griffin, Hart, Mustafa Muhammad, Mundine, Douglas, Gutterez, Hayward etc etc etc.

Over the last few years I've read a number of articals and posts on Bad Bennie most saying he was underated but some saying he is now becoming overated.

Bennie apparently doesn't talk to the press and lives a very quiet life in Philly so information on him is a bit thin on the ground. So does anyone have any stories info on this formidable fighter.

Do you think he would slaughter todays Middleweights with ease (Hopkins aside maybe?)

Any opinions fight fans? 8)

Bennie was definately a very dangerous and tough fighter at a time when the Middleweight division was overflowing with talent... there's no doubt he'd be a champ today and I'd pick him to beat Hopkins who really doesnt impress me at all to be honest. Bennie had a great left-hook and an iron chin but was also a crafty technition and great in-fighter... he gave both Valdez and Monzon some of their most difficult moments in the ring... he's certainly not overrated to my mind.
Do you have any idea about why Briscoe doesn't talk to the press?.... I suspect it's because he feels he was mistreated by the press in the 70s... it's a real shame as many people would like to read something about him and his memories of his career.

silkov wrote: Do you have any idea about why Briscoe doesn't talk to the press?.... I suspect it's because he feels he was mistreated by the press in the 70s... it's a real shame as many people would like to read something about him and his memories of his career.

Sorry I don't have the slightest idea why Bennie doesn't talk to the press, I keep hoping that Tris Dixon will interview him in his excellent series in Boxing News. I live in hope.

A very knowledgable fight fan once told me that Bennie was always more effective when he was around the light-middle limit.

Apparently Bennie often sparred with Matthew Saad Muhammad, now how much cash would you part with to be have been in that gym on those days!!!!! Or even have it on video.

Does anyone know if Bennie fought as an Amatuer?