Re: Roberto Duran vs. Frankie Benitez 'October 1975'
Posted: 09 Feb 2014, 20:08
Duran's title challangers were unremarkable. The ones he picked to defend against had styles that suited his swarming style. Duran didn't face an big bangers during his lightweight reign. Benitez opponents; Javier Ayala, Miguel Mayan and Brooks Byrd were superior to the three opponents that Duran battled previous to Viret; Jose Peterson, Pepe El Toro and Alirio Acuna (combined records: 26-18-1).Il Duce wrote:October 1975
This bout was supposed to happen for the WBA Lightweight Championship, and in Puerto Rico.
Frankie 'The Terror' Benitez, the older brother of Wilfred.
Frankie, was only {Age; 18 years, 2 months}, but was a fast and hard punching fighter. At times, a
wild-swing wide-open puncher, but one who was willing to go toe-to-toe because of his fast hands.
A southpaw, with frightening power. Frankie had a record of 23-1-0 {15 KO's}, and was ranked as
the #8 WBA and #8 WBC Lightweight.
Roberto Duran, who was the WBA Lightweight Champion had just fought a 10-Round 'non-title' bout
with another Caribbean Island Lightweight in Edwin Viruet on September 30, 1975 - a bout where
the 'Panamanian Rocky' looked beatable.
Gregorio 'Papa' Benitez said he had 'The Formula' to beating Roberto Duran.
Frankie was ready as he had defeated the following Top 10 Challengers in succession;
* Javier Ayala
* Miguel Mayan
* Brooks Byrd