Donald Curry v Wilfred Benitez. 15 rounds, welterweight.

[Robbi]

Personally, I find this a very captivating match-up. Definitely one for the purists when it comes to accuracy, exchanging jabs, slipping, countering, and careful thinking between both fighters.

I see this panning out in a similar fashion to when Benitez and Leonard squared off in late 1979. Throughout that fight it was contested within the centre of the ring, with not too much movement around the perimeter. Leonard was the one who was getting off first with his jab, and mid-range exchanges, with Benitez proving to be competitive before losing via a technical knockout in the last round.

Curry's style fits the bill for an almost carbon-copy of Benitez's fine effort against Leonard in many aspects. He might be more inclined and comfortable at fighting even closer to Benitez than Leonard was when taking into account his inside game. Curry certainly has the weapons inside to compete here IMO. And at long range he was equally as effective.

Intriguing

[natonic]

Man, I don't know. Last time I picked this fight I picked Curry. I would definitely pick Benitez at 154. Curry wasn't the same at 154 and Benitez had some excellent efforts there (Duran, Hope). I think Curry was a little more available to hit than Leonard, moreso due to fighting range than defensive holes. The only 2 guys to beat a prime Benitez (with apologies to Hamsho) were Leonard and Hearns and a big part of that was the ability to outjab Benitez. I think Curry would have a good chance to do the same. Other than that, I don't think there's a lot to choose between these guys prime for prime. I'll stick with Curry by razor thin decision.

[Robbi]

Just to add extra. It's a prime Curry at 147lbs. Not the version that lost to Honeyghan who clearly had problems making the weight.

Benitez and Curry are entering the ring in top physical condition.

Natonic, you called it how I wanted and knew this. :good

[Sweet Pea]

I would definitely pick Benitez at 154. Curry wasn't the same at 154 and Benitez had some excellent efforts there (Duran, Hope). I think Curry was a little more available to hit than Leonard, moreso due to fighting range than defensive holes.I don't know about any of this. Will explain in detail later, in class now.

[Bad_Intentions]

Curry UD.

[Robbi]

I think Curry was a little more available to hit than Leonard, moreso due to fighting range than defensive holes.

But Leonard fought Benitez exactly within the type of range where Curry is pretty much at home and comfortable- at long and mid-range for lengthy spans. Curry liked to be within punching distance to land his own punches, thus at the same time inviting opponents to come towards him to pick them apart. IMO his punch economy was among the best welterweights in history. So I don't think "Curry was a little more available to hit than Leonard, moreso due to his fighting range" Outwith the Benitez fight, yes, Leonard showed he could get on his bicycle.

Curry never showed sustained movement, laterally, or on the backfoot to execute a similar strategy in the manner of Leonard's successful showings against Hearns and Duran at the weight. But thats irrelevant when it comes to the Benitez fight for Curry. Benitez doesn't bring Duran's workrate, ferociousness, and constant 'seeking' of an inside battle. He also doesn't have Hearns' height, reach, power, and jab volume. IMO those two fighters would be more difficult for Curry to contend with than Benitez.

The biggest difference between Leonard's strategy against Benitez compared to Curry's? I think Curry will fight even closer than Leonard did, for brief periods anyway. He was equally comfortable inside as he was at long range. Perhaps he never had Leonard's power inside with the left hook. But his accuracy, defense, and general well roundedness maybe even surpassed Leonard in the pocket.

[Sweet Pea]

I agree Robbi, that was part of what I disagreed with. Leonard's main edge is that he was simply quicker off the draw than Benitez, allowing him to get off first more often than not and counter efficiently.

I also don't think Curry was any worse at JMW than he was at WW based on his performances there. His fight with Baez was one of his most impressive overall showings IMO, and he was outboxing McCallum prior to being stopped in their bout, something he wouldn't have to worry about with Benitez, and that was even post-Honeyghan.

[Robbi]

I agree Robbi, that was part of what I disagreed with. Leonard's main edge is that he was simply quicker off the draw than Benitez, allowing him to get off first more often than not and counter efficiently.

I slightly adjusted the post, due to a couple of spelling errors. Curry had respectable power, but probably not enough to stop Benitez. It's a points victory for Curry IMO. It's a fascinating affair based on Leonard's blueprint for Curry's style. The fight would generally be fought the same throughout.


I also don't think Curry was any worse at JMW than he was at WW based on his performances there. His fight with Baez was one of his most impressive overall showings IMO, and he was outboxing McCallum prior to being stopped in their bout, something he wouldn't have to worry about with Benitez, and that was even post-Honeyghan.


Curry was better at welterweight IMO, no question. The Baez fight at 154lbs was a non-title bout before Honeyghan, and contested between fights when in his prime as a welterweight. Post Honeyghan, Curry wasn't quite the same fighter at jr middleweight outwith him leading the cards against McCallum before being knocked out.

[Sweet Pea]

Curry was better at welterweight IMO, no question. The Baez fight at 154lbs was a non-title bout before Honeyghan, and contested between fights when in his prime as a welterweight. Post Honeyghan, Curry wasn't quite the same fighter at jr middleweight outwith him leading the cards against McCallum before being knocked out.He was more accomplished at WW for sure, but again, he looked just as good at JMW against Baez (and given the circumstances probably should've stayed there) as he did in any of his WW showings, and eventually ended up fucking himself over by staying at WW, as we saw against Honeyghan.

What I'm saying is that I don't think I'd favor Benitez at JMW if I wouldn't favor him at WW, as there was no real drop-off IMO for Curry, though IMHO Benitez may have been at his best there based on his performances.

[natonic]

Let me clarify a little. First concerning Curry at 154. Curry was a remarkebly skilled fighter at 147 or 154. One of my favorite fights is Curry against Tony Montgomery at 154. Granted, Montgomery wasn't a great fighter, but it was a complete clinic by Curry. But the fact remains the Curry allowed things at 154 that never happened at 147 (pre-Honeyghan). Examples: Santos headbutt, Montgomery fouling out of the fight, Rosi roughing him up. Curry just stayed inside much more than he had to. As far as the McCallum fight, I was a huge Curry fan so there's no bias here, but I'm convinced that McCallum would have stopped Curry late in that fight regardless. McCallum was beginning to land some of his bodyshots (possibly contributing to Curry's hands being lower than normal) and Curry's left eye was closing rapidly. Something happened to Curry from the Honeyghan fight on where his durability went completely out the window. Benitez was a more aggressive, strong fighter at 154 than at 147 and 140 (examples being Duran and Hope). He beat up Duran and Hope. He hurt Duran with right hands and slowed Duran's charge dramatically. He also hurt Duran to the body. I seriously believe Benitez would've stopped Curry late at 154. Benitez was strong and physical at the weight yet stilled retained his reflexes and defensive brilliance.
As for my quote "Curry was more available to hit than Leonard". Let's face it, Leonard fought a nearly perfect fight against Benitez. Curry had the ability to fight that way but he often chose to fight at close range, where he was brilliant. Leonard rarely played that game with Benitez. Curry often chose to fight head to head on the inside. Again, he was brilliant, but a guy with Benitez's skill would not be completely shutdown in this type of fight.

[Cobra33]

Of course the swelling on Curry's eye had alot to do with him getting caught by Mccallum.Up until then Curry dominated the action.Pre Honeyghan Curry would have been too much for Mccallum.At 154 Curry was done.

[Robbi]

Of course the swelling on Curry's eye had alot to do with him getting caught by Mccallum.Up until then Curry dominated the action.Pre Honeyghan Curry would have been too much for Mccallum.At 154 Curry was done.

Curry was sheduled to move up in weight and challenge McCallum in June, 1986. The fight was due to take place on the "Triple Hitter" Top Rank promoted card, also featuring Duran-Simms and McGuigan-Cruz.

When McCallum-Curry never materialised, Hearns stepped in and defended his WBC jr middleweight against Medal.

I've known this for sometime. Thought I'd rubber stamp it with the quote below on Hearns-Medal. The New York Times, April 17th, 1986.

"The bout is scheduled for June 23 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nev., and will replace the title match between Donald Curry and Mike McCallum. Curry, the undisputed welterweight champion, had some misgivings about moving up from the 147-pound class to fight McCallum, who holds the World Boxing Association's title in the 154-pound class"

[JohnThomas1]

Let me clarify a little. First concerning Curry at 154. Curry was a remarkebly skilled fighter at 147 or 154. One of my favorite fights is Curry against Tony Montgomery at 154. Granted, Montgomery wasn't a great fighter, but it was a complete clinic by Curry. But the fact remains the Curry allowed things at 154 that never happened at 147 (pre-Honeyghan). Examples: Santos headbutt, Montgomery fouling out of the fight, Rosi roughing him up. Curry just stayed inside much more than he had to. As far as the McCallum fight, I was a huge Curry fan so there's no bias here, but I'm convinced that McCallum would have stopped Curry late in that fight regardless. McCallum was beginning to land some of his bodyshots (possibly contributing to Curry's hands being lower than normal) and Curry's left eye was closing rapidly. Something happened to Curry from the Honeyghan fight on where his durability went completely out the window. Benitez was a more aggressive, strong fighter at 154 than at 147 and 140 (examples being Duran and Hope). He beat up Duran and Hope. He hurt Duran with right hands and slowed Duran's charge dramatically. He also hurt Duran to the body. I seriously believe Benitez would've stopped Curry late at 154. Benitez was strong and physical at the weight yet stilled retained his reflexes and defensive brilliance.
As for my quote "Curry was more available to hit than Leonard". Let's face it, Leonard fought a nearly perfect fight against Benitez. Curry had the ability to fight that way but he often chose to fight at close range, where he was brilliant. Leonard rarely played that game with Benitez. Curry often chose to fight head to head on the inside. Again, he was brilliant, but a guy with Benitez's skill would not be completely shutdown in this type of fight.

Excellent post. I still don't think Benitez would stop Curry at 154, but you make great points.

[Sweet Pea]

Let me clarify a little. First concerning Curry at 154. Curry was a remarkebly skilled fighter at 147 or 154. One of my favorite fights is Curry against Tony Montgomery at 154. Granted, Montgomery wasn't a great fighter, but it was a complete clinic by Curry. But the fact remains the Curry allowed things at 154 that never happened at 147 (pre-Honeyghan). Examples: Santos headbutt, Montgomery fouling out of the fight, Rosi roughing him up. Curry just stayed inside much more than he had to.He was an excellent in-fighter though, so he could get by with it, and certain stylists would've brought that kind of fight to him at any weight. He showed the same skill-set and ability there that he did at 154 IMO, and Benitez wasn't the type of fighter to bring that kind of fight to him anyway.

As far as the McCallum fight, I was a huge Curry fan so there's no bias here, but I'm convinced that McCallum would have stopped Curry late in that fight regardless. McCallum was beginning to land some of his bodyshots (possibly contributing to Curry's hands being lower than normal) and Curry's left eye was closing rapidly.That may be true, the closing eye would've contributed, but Curry was getting the better of the action the further the fight progressed really, and was really coming on prior to being tagged with that one well placed hook. I wouldn't have expected most of their bouts to have gone that way.

Something happened to Curry from the Honeyghan fight on where his durability went completely out the window. Benitez was a more aggressive, strong fighter at 154 than at 147 and 140 (examples being Duran and Hope). He beat up Duran and Hope. He hurt Duran with right hands and slowed Duran's charge dramatically. He also hurt Duran to the body. I seriously believe Benitez would've stopped Curry late at 154. Benitez was strong and physical at the weight yet stilled retained his reflexes and defensive brilliance.True, but Curry was better than Hope, and probably better than the Duran Benitez faced, bigger as well, so Benitez wouldn't have been able to impose his size and reach on Curry the way he would've with a bloated Duran. I think it would be a very tactical affair, with great inside and outside action. I can't see a Benitez stoppage unless we're talking a big bomb like he landed on the more open Hope after the beating he'd been putting on him. Curry was rarely open for that types of shots, especially a pre-Honeyghan Curry whose durability was not in question. That's mainly the Curry I'm referring to when talking about a 154 pound Curry. I don't see any real edges Benitez would have other than defensively. Would've been a great fight.


As for my quote "Curry was more available to hit than Leonard". Let's face it, Leonard fought a nearly perfect fight against Benitez. Curry had the ability to fight that way but he often chose to fight at close range, where he was brilliant. Leonard rarely played that game with Benitez. Curry often chose to fight head to head on the inside. Again, he was brilliant, but a guy with Benitez's skill would not be completely shutdown in this type of fight.
Agreed, I don't think Curry would be as successful fighting with the same style Leonard imposed. He'd have tried to make it a closer range affair, with bits of out-boxing and feeling out in the center of the ring as well, particularly early on. Leonard just had the speed off the draw to get the better of Benitez throughout most of the fight, along with the reflexes. Curry was more straight up technically and I don't see him or many (if any) WW's having that kind of success against Benitez (then again I also don't believe Benitez was at his best for that fight, though I think Leonard would've always won and was the superior fighter). I do think Curry was generally more offensive minded than Leonard was for most of the bout prior to the late rounds when he had Benitez going. Leonard was content to just pick Benitez off and beat him at his own game for most of their bout, I don't think Curry/Benitez would've unfolded the same way, particularly at 154.

[Robbi]

I do think Curry was generally more offensive minded than Leonard was for most of the bout prior to the late rounds when he had Benitez going. Leonard was content to just pick Benitez off and beat him at his own game for most of their bout, I don't think Curry/Benitez would've unfolded the same way, particularly at 154.

Curry doesn't have the power to consistently open up and fight more offensively than Leonard. Not in his nature or his style. And when it comes to his reasonable power, he wasn't a fighter who would particularly rely on power punches all the time. His workrate was steady, to the body and head, and accuracy was something he relied on by the bucketload to be effective.

I certainly don't see Curry being the one to continually play the role of the aggressor against Benitez. Curry was very scientific when coming forward, waited for the right moments, then dropped inside. At long range I see Curry thinking like Leonard, relying on his accuracy, and also countering in a similar manner as well. He'd lead off as well, no question.

Curry would fight at arms length like Leonard, circle in the centre of the ring, drop inside briefly, then skip away to set up his attacks from distance, and drop inside again when the moment was right for him to do so. When taking into account his workrate, type of punches he threw, and his lack of power compared to Leonard, I generally see the same approach. Perhaps, Curry fights inside more.

He fights on the same level offensively as Leonard but more varied with his inside game.

[Sweet Pea]

Curry doesn't have the power to consistently open up and fight more offensively than Leonard. Not in his nature or his style. And when it comes to his reasonable power, he wasn't a fighter who would particularly rely on power punches all the time. His workrate was steady, to the body and head, and accuracy was something he relied on by the bucketload to be effective.

I certainly don't see Curry being the one to continually play the role of the aggressor against Benitez. Curry was very scientific when coming forward, waited for the right moments, then dropped inside. At long range I see Curry thinking like Leonard, relying on his accuracy, and also countering in a similar manner as well. He'd lead off as well, no question.

Curry would fight at arms length like Leonard, circle in the centre of the ring, drop inside briefly, then skip away to set up his attacks from distance, and drop inside again when the moment was right for him to do so. When taking into account his workrate, type of punches he threw, and his lack of power compared to Leonard, I generally see the same approach. Perhaps, Curry fights inside more.

He fights on the same level offensively as Leonard but more varied with his inside game.I don't agree that Curry would rely on his outside game against a slick defensive counter-puncher like Benitez. It was against the slicksters, like Starling, that he generally went to press the fight to make it a close range affair so he'd be able to maintain a steady workrate and offense. If he were to fight on the outside against Benitez, his workrate would decline and he'd stand a better chance of being countered or beaten. I see him pressing to make it an inside fight, with moments of out-boxing, combinations from mid-range, etc, rather than the other way around as you said.

[Robbi]

I don't agree that Curry would rely on his outside game against a slick defensive counter-puncher like Benitez. It was against the slicksters, like Starling, that he generally went to press the fight to make it a close range affair so he'd be able to maintain a steady workrate and offense.

Starling was a busier fighter than Benitez at welterweight IMO. In many ways Curry decided to fight Starling on the inside due the style he faced, which was hard to penetrate at long range, and generally unorthodox. Benitez relied on suttle head movement and placement of punches, counter-punching, and ducking under punches, etc. He was a more orthodox fighter than Starling. Curry's long range game stacks up better against Benitez IMO. I think Starling gave Curry no option but to fight up close for the best part.


If he were to fight on the outside against Benitez, his workrate would decline and he'd stand a better chance of being countered or beaten. I see him pressing to make it an inside fight, with moments of out-boxing, combinations from mid-range, etc, rather than the other way around as you said.

Why would his workrate decline? Curry himself was a brilliant counter-puncher. And defensively at long range he's pretty sound against Benitez. Nothing to fear when it comes to serious power or a scenario of 40-50 jabs per round. Curry's high guard to block, superb judgement of distance, and punches from underneath at mid-range would cause Benitez problems.

Curry would fight at arms length like Leonard, circle in the centre of the ring, drop inside briefly, then skip away to set up his attacks from distance, and drop inside again when the moment was right for him to do so.

Thats how I see it going, for the most part.

[Sweet Pea]

Why would his workrate decline? Curry himself was a brilliant counter-puncher. And defensively at long range he's pretty sound against Benitez. Nothing to fear when it comes to serious power or a scenario of 40-50 jabs per round. Curry's high guard to block, superb judgement of distance, and punches from underneath at mid-range would cause Benitez problems.

Curry would fight at arms length like Leonard, circle in the centre of the ring, drop inside briefly, then skip away to set up his attacks from distance, and drop inside again when the moment was right for him to do so.

Thats how I see it going, for the most part.I'd figure his workrate would decline if faced with such a defensively sound, slip and counter style of fighter, which could make his workrate go down and cause him to fight a more cautious fight, or push him to make it an inside fight, which is what he'd usually do in those situations, and why I think he'd do so against Benitez.

I don't think Curry would fight like Leonard regardless, because while he was a very good counter puncher due to his footwork and ability to fight at a controlled and comfortable in and out range, he didn't have the reflexes or handspeed of Leonard, which is what Leonard relied on primarily while fighting mostly flat-footed against Benitez. Curry generally opted to fight more offensively, especially against slicksters who he wouldn't have fared as well against at their game, regardless of whether or not Leonard had more power.

[Robbi]

I'd figure his workrate would decline if faced with such a defensively sound, slip and counter style of fighter, which could make his workrate go down and cause him to fight a more cautious fight, or push him to make it an inside fight, which is what he'd usually do in those situations, and why I think he'd do so against Benitez.

I don't think Curry would fight like Leonard regardless, because while he was a very good counter puncher due to his footwork and ability to fight at a controlled and comfortable in and out range, he didn't have the reflexes or handspeed of Leonard, which is what Leonard relied on primarily while fighting mostly flat-footed against Benitez. Curry generally opted to fight more offensively, especially against slicksters who he wouldn't have fared as well against at their game, regardless of whether or not Leonard had more power.

We are pretty much seeing things the same way, generally, although vice versa on how often Curry elects to fight at long range. While Curry's wasn't as quick as Leonard with his handspeed, he relied on his timing somewhat more. Accuracy and timing were Curry's main attributes, which made him such very resourceful punch picker with either hand.

His anticipation, offensively and defensively, was just as good as Leonard in those areas. Just executed differently. Leonard liked to use the perimeter of the ring and was probably a smarter fighter overall. As I said earlier, Curry doesn't have Leonard's swift movement around the ring to outbox Duran.

[MRBILL]

I'd pick the 1984 Donald Curry to outbox the 1979 Wilfred Benitez. Curry could box, was quick and, owned power at 147.... Wilfred Benitez was a master boxer with a radar like defense, but his power was marginal.... I do NOT give a f@#k if Benitez KO'd Mo Hope in 1981 at 154 pounds with one booming right hand, it was a fluke; never to be repeated ever again by Benitez.... Curry had power; Benitez did not.....

MR.BILL

P.S.

I thought the stoppage that Benitez suffered against Leonard in 1979 was somewhat bogus....... Benitez was tired and cut, but not on queer street in the final few seconds of the 15th round.... I think Benitez could've finished that fight..... Benitez was behind, and he was going to lose to Leonard, though he could've finished the fight......

[Robbi]

Wilfred Benitez was a master boxer with a radar like defense, but his power was marginal.

Curry's defense was "radar like" as well. Although he tended to block and use his feet to pull out of range, shift around, cover-up into a shell while dropping inside, etc, etc. Benitez relied on head movement more, although his judgement of distance was along the same lines as Curry's. Both are seen as, within range, technicians.

[MRBILL]

Curry's defense was "radar like" as well. Although he tended to block and use his feet to pull out of range, shift around, cover-up into a shell while dropping inside, etc, etc. Benitez relied on head movement more, although his judgement of distance was along the same lines as Curry's. Both are seen as, within range, technicians.

Both Curry and Benitez seemingly went to hell over night, as well........ Curry NEVER looked the same after his TKO loss to Honeyghan in '86, and Benitez looked timid against Tommy Hearns earlier in 1982..... BUT! Curry would win at 147, in a time machine....... Peace...

MR.BILL:hey

[Sweet Pea]

Both Curry and Benitez seemingly went to hell over night, as well........ Curry NEVER looked the same after his TKO loss to Honeyghan in '86, and Benitez looked timid against Tommy Hearns earlier in 1982..... BUT! Curry would win at 147, in a time machine....... Peace...

MR.BILL:heyBenitez looked as good as he could've against Hearns. I thought both fighters showed fantastic technical prowess in that fight, Hearns was simply the more efficient offensive fighter, which nabbed him most of the rounds, though I thought most were close and Benitez fared noticeably better against Hearns than he did Leonard. From comparing the Leonard fight with some of Benitez's best performances, I can safely say (IMO) that Benitez was just not quite on his A game that night. Not as quick, sharp, controlled, etc. Then again it's possible a good portion of that had to do with Leonard, who was pitch perfect that night, and who I'd always favor over Benitez even if he was at his best.

Afterwards he fell off fast, starting after he moved up and down from MW against Hamsho and really taking effect with his ankle break loss to Davey Moore. Never the same again, and clearly wasn't the same during those fights.

[MRBILL]

Benitez looked as good as he could've against Hearns. I thought both fighters showed fantastic technical prowess in that fight, Hearns was simply the more efficient offensive fighter, which nabbed him most of the rounds, though I thought most were close and Benitez fared noticeably better against Hearns than he did Leonard. From comparing the Leonard fight with some of Benitez's best performances, I can safely say (IMO) that Benitez was just not quite on his A game that night. Not as quick, sharp, controlled, etc. Then again it's possible a good portion of that had to do with Leonard, who was pitch perfect that night, and who I'd always favor over Benitez even if he was at his best.

Afterwards he fell off fast, starting after he moved up and down from MW against Hamsho and really taking effect with his ankle break loss to Davey Moore. Never the same again, and clearly wasn't the same during those fights.

I knew it was all over for Benitez after his 1987 ass-kicking KO loss to Matt Hilton on national television.... That was Benitez' most wicked beating he ever suffered as a pro.... After that, I no longer gave Benitez anymore of my attention....:nono

MR.BILL

[MRBILL]

I knew Curry was fodder in 1990 / '91 when he fought "Nunn & Norris" on cable TV..... Curry was a shell in those fights..... Sickening to even reflect on....

MR.BILL

[la-califa]

Curry was sheduled to move up in weight and challenge McCallum in June, 1986. The fight was due to take place on the "Triple Hitter" Top Rank promoted card, also featuring Duran-Simms and McGuigan-Cruz.

When McCallum-Curry never materialised, Hearns stepped in and defended his WBC jr middleweight against Medal.

I've known this for sometime. Thought I'd rubber stamp it with the quote below on Hearns-Medal. The New York Times, April 17th, 1986.

"The bout is scheduled for June 23 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nev., and will replace the title match between Donald Curry and Mike McCallum. Curry, the undisputed welterweight champion, had some misgivings about moving up from the 147-pound class to fight McCallum, who holds the World Boxing Association's title in the 154-pound class"Instead of Medal, Who would you take if Hearns defended his WBC Championship Against Curry?

[Mantequilla]

I think Curry had more than just reasonable power Robbi.he was a very hard, debilitating puncher imo.

he hit hard enoough to potentiallu badly trouble Benitez with just a punch or two, though landing them would easier said than done.

[Robbi]

Instead of Medal, Who would you take if Hearns defended his WBC Championship Against Curry?

Hearns, even though he had problems making the weight on that particular date when he fought Medal. It would have been interesting to see how Curry would have performed had he vacated his welterweight titles and challenged Hearns or McCallum that night. Mentally he would have had momentum on his side of being unbeaten, and also he'd physically have been in-shape at the higher weight. Mentally and physically he'd be perfect.

I don't fancy Curry's chances against Hearns. The activity level of Hearns' jab would have caused him all sorts of problems defensively. Fighting inside would be his best option, no doubt. But Hearns was an expert at using movement and generally keeping his opponents right on the end of his punches. IMO Curry would also have problems coping with the power while getting inside.

[Robbi]

I think Curry had more than just reasonable power Robbi.he was a very hard, debilitating puncher imo.

he hit hard enoough to potentiallu badly trouble Benitez with just a punch or two, though landing them would easier said than done.

Yeah, but Curry wasn't a devastating puncher. When I said "reasonable power" I meant well above average. IMO, he was a sharp-shooter and point scoring puncher, first and foremost. I think his style really showed his comfort levels regarding what confidence he had in his power. Not a power-puff puncher, although not devasting either. At welterweight he was no Hearns, but probably a notch below Leonard.

[Flea Man]

I'd actually go for a draw. I think Benitez's defensive skill would rile Curry, who would be missing with his sharp power punches.

I think they would both box/fight in spurts and I'm afraid it's too hard for me to consider.

[Xplosive]

I think I'd go with Curry by decision at 147, though a close decision. And I might be in the minority here, but I think Curry was a bigger puncher than Leonard. But obviously, he didnt have Ray's handspeed. Curry's handspeed was very good though, and he was one of the most accurate punchers in history. I think his accuracy is what beats Benitez, though El Radar would certainly have his moments.

[MAG1965]

Wilfred was quicker than Donald Curry. I think he would outclass Donald and it would be interesting, but this fight would make Donald look like the aggressor.