The best punch trackers on the market
30th November 2020
By: Max Taylor
On this day in 1979, boxing took recognizing its lighter fighters a step further as the richest non-Heavyweight bout of its time occurred between Wilfred Benitez and Sugar Ray Leonard.
Somebody’s 0 had to go. Benitez was already an undefeated two division world champion by 21 years of age and opposed Ray Leonard who was fighting for a world title for the first time. Although yet to accomplish anything two years into his pro career, the latter showed great potential having won a gold medal at the 1976 Olympics and established himself as the second ranked Welterweight in the eyes of the WBC.
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While ‘Sugar’ Ray was representing his country in Montreal in 76’, Benitez was making history as the youngest world champion the sport had ever seen. Their paths crossed 3 years later for the Puerto Rican’s second defense of his WBC Welterweight belt with The Ring Magazine champion status on the line as well.
The event in general was one for the ages. Hosted in the historic Caesars palace, a future foe of Ray Leonard fought in his first world title fight on the under card. He was none other than ‘Marvelous’ Marvin Hagler.
The atmosphere could not have got more tense in the ring before the first bell as both men engaged in what felt like an eternal stare down. But a minute passed and it was time for America’s young hope to prove he is more than just hype.
READ – THE BEST PUNCH TRACKERS ON THE MARKET
A composed Leonard asserted himself in the early rounds with an active left hand that was either popped off as a jab or turned in as a hook. This lead hand found a home against Benitez, dropping the off-balance champion in the 3rd. After no success in the opening stages Benitez adjusted from his preferred counter-punching style and instead started moving his head and letting his jab go, reminding the challenger who he was in there with.
The 21-year-old leaned his head forward often which invited short combinations from Leonard, these flurries would land at times but would work well for the Puerto Rican on the occasion that he weaved through them and landed his own shots. This tactic resulted in the pair colliding and cutting Benitez’s forehead which was rarely reopened by the challenger.
Both men would look to build behind their jabs, if one stuck for ‘Sugar’ Ray he would follow it up with a straight right. Upon doing this in the 9th round, Benitez got caught flush and immediately clinched with Leonard until his legs were sturdy enough to continue
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The older boxer kept headhunting with his powerful rear hand and used his versatile lead to set this big shot up. With these two tools, ‘El Radar’ was backed onto the ropes in round 11. But, fighting against his instincts, Leonard did not tee off on his adversary and instead took his time to land calculated power shots both upstairs and downstairs.
Benitez would not let America’s boxing prodigy run away with the victory that easily though and stayed in it by exploding overhand rights through the later rounds. In their final three minutes the champion rallied and went toe-to-toe with the future member of the fabulous 4 for a few breath-taking moments, giving attendants great value for money. This tactic proved fatal though as the 23-year-old’s rapid, short hooks in the pocket got the better of Benitez and dropped him again.
This marked the beginning of the end for Benitez’s title reign as Leonard came out like the executioner when his opponent rose to his feet, forcing the referee to stop the contest inside the very last ten seconds.
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The hearty two-weight world champ was always in it until he wasn’t. His charismatic personality was interjected into this fight, made apparent with the shake of his head when being caught by clean shots, making it even more of a spectacle for the excited fans worldwide.
It was an energetic, masterful performance from ‘SRL’ who would go on to win world titles in four more weight divisions. The TKO victory 41 years ago today though, saw him earn the 147lb strap and The Ring’s Fighter of The Year award.
Watch the historic fight below!
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