Wilfred Benitez .VS. Aaron Pryor

[la-califa]

These two narrowly missed eachother. What would have been the result if Pryor's tiltle shot had came against Benitez instead of Cervantes? Fifteen Rounds.

[JohnThomas1]

They missed each other by a fair bit. I like Benitez via decision.

[brooklyn1550]

Interesting fight...I like Pryor by a close decision, but Benitez could frusturate the Hawk and possibly pull out a close decision as well.

[Holmes' Jab]

Benitez, by decision. Close call this one. :good

[Titan1]

Benitez by SD 15, maybe.A strong maybe, since Pryor is a force of nature.

[PhillyPhan69]

I like Benitez, but this does not seem like the right match-up for him. All I can see is Benitez not being able to withstand what SRL took to him. Pryor certainly lacks some of Leonards finesse and skill, but I don't see him slowing down in this one. Benitez with his skill can keep it close, but I see him lacking the strength to truely make Pryor respect or fear him....as the fight goes on the Hawk gains confidence without fear of retribution, and closes this with an 11 rd KO

[buzzsaw]

I think a prime Benitez controls Pryor outside with his sharper and more accurate punching. When Pryor does get close, Benitez was one of the more difficult fighters to catch clean especially with his back to the ropes. Benitez’s hand speed matched Ray Leonard’s fighting outside and Benitez was able to nullify Duran’s inside attack. Benitez was a naturally gifted fighter who just neglected to train properly. Benitez style would frustrate Pryor. Aaron had a tendency to lunge, sometimes throwing from the floor, against Benitez this type of attack wouldn’t work. He would simply slip/sidestep and counterpunch his way to an easy decision.

[brooklyn1550]

I think a prime Benitez controls Pryor outside with his sharper and more accurate punching. When Pryor does get close, Benitez was one of the more difficult fighters to catch clean especially with his back to the ropes. Benitez’s hand speed matched Ray Leonard’s fighting outside and Benitez was able to nullify Duran’s inside attack. Benitez was a naturally gifted fighter who just neglected to train properly. Benitez style would frustrate Pryor. Aaron had a tendency to lunge, sometimes throwing from the floor, against Benitez this type of attack wouldn’t work. He would simply slip/sidestep and counterpunch his way to an easy decision.

Nobody at 140 has an "easy" time with Pryor's maniac, relentless, punches from every possible angle style.

[brooklyn1550]

Everyone thinks Pryor beats Whitaker(me not at all included) but seem to think Benitez beats Pryor. Interesting.

Good observation...I see it the opposite. In my opinion, Whitaker would have won a close decision over Pryor. He would have had some tough moments, but I think he would be landing the cleaner punches and landing more punches.

[brooklyn1550]

Agreed, his jab and ability to put punches together while moving were better than Benitez's, which would make it better for him at a distance, which is Benitez's optimal position. Benitez had more power than Pea, but he wouldn't be putting it together or trying to use it against Pryor, unless he wanted to get into it, which he wouldn't. Whitaker matches better with Pryor than Benitez does.

I've never seen a fighter who fought as well off the back foot than Pernell. I doubt there will ever be a fighter quite like him again in my lifetime.

[la-califa]

I've never seen a fighter who fought as well off the back foot than Pernell. I doubt there will ever be a fighter quite like him again in my lifetime.
Whitakers defensive genius is true. But also I have never seen a fighter who was more effective while his back was against the ropes as Wilfred Benitez. He would slip, duck & counter while his back was against the ropes like anyone I have seen, before or since.