Best fights of Wilfred Benítez
Over 17 years as a professional, Wilfred Benítez has compiled a 53-8-1 (31) record, including eleven title fights across three weight classes. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Wilfred Benítez defeats Roberto Durán
On January 30, 1982 Wilfred Benítez defended his WBC super welterweight title against Roberto Durán. Benítez was 23 years old with a record of 43-1-1, and Durán was 30 with a record of 74-2. Benítez was on a 5-fight winning streak and Durán was on a 2-fight winning streak. Benítez won via unanimous decision. Defended the title.
2. Wilfred Benítez defeats Carlos Palomino
On January 14, 1979 Wilfred Benítez fought Carlos Palomino for the WBC, The Ring, and lineal welterweight titles. Benítez was 20 years old with a record of 36-0-1, and Palomino was 29 with a record of 27-1-3. Benítez was on an undefeated 8-fight winning streak and Palomino was on a 10-fight winning streak. Benítez won via split decision. Crowned the new welterweight champion.
3. Wilfred Benítez loses to Sugar Ray Leonard via KO
On November 30, 1979 Wilfred Benítez defended his WBC, The Ring, and lineal welterweight titles against Sugar Ray Leonard. Benítez was 21 years old with a record of 38-0-1, and Leonard was 23 with a record of 25-0. Benítez was on an undefeated 10-fight winning streak and Leonard was on an undefeated 25-fight winning streak. Leonard stopped Benítez via TKO in the 15th round. Lost the titles. Lasted into the 15th round.
4. Wilfred Benítez loses to Thomas Hearns via majority decision
On December 3, 1982 Wilfred Benítez defended his WBC super welterweight title against Thomas Hearns. Benítez was 24 years old with a record of 44-1-1, and Hearns was 24 with a record of 35-1. Benítez was on a 6-fight winning streak and Hearns was on a 3-fight winning streak. Benítez lost via majority decision. Lost the title. Went the distance with Hearns.
5. Wilfred Benítez defeats Antonio Cervantes
On March 6, 1976 Wilfred Benítez fought Antonio Cervantes for the WBA and The Ring super lightweight titles. Benítez was 17 years old with a record of 25-0, and Cervantes was 30 with a record of 50-9-1. Benítez was on an undefeated 25-fight winning streak and Cervantes was on a 19-fight winning streak. Benítez won via split decision. Crowned the new super lightweight champion.
6. Wilfred Benítez KOs Maurice Hope
On May 23, 1981 Wilfred Benítez fought Maurice Hope for the vacant WBC super welterweight title. Benítez was 22 years old with a record of 41-1-1, and Hope was 0 with a record of 0-0. Benítez was on a 3-fight winning streak. Benítez stopped Maurice Hope via TKO in the 12th round. Won the vacant title.
7. Wilfred Benítez defeats Harold Weston in their 2nd fight
On March 25, 1979 Wilfred Benítez defended his WBC, The Ring, and lineal welterweight titles against Harold Weston. It was their second meeting. Benítez was 20 years old with a record of 37-0-1, and Weston was 0 with a record of 0-0. Benítez was on an undefeated 9-fight winning streak. Benítez won via unanimous decision. Defended the titles.
8. Wilfred Benítez defeats Carlos Santos
On November 14, 1981 Wilfred Benítez defended his WBC super welterweight title against Carlos Santos. Benítez was 23 years old with a record of 42-1-1, and Santos was 0 with a record of 0-0. Benítez was on a 4-fight winning streak. Benítez won via unanimous decision. Defended the title.
9. Wilfred Benítez KOs Easy Boy Lake in their 3rd fight
On July 1, 1977 Wilfred Benítez faced Easy Boy Lake. It was their third meeting. Benítez was 18 years old with a record of 30-0-1, and Lake was 0 with a record of 0-0. Benítez was on an undefeated 2-fight winning streak. Benítez stopped Easy Boy Lake via TKO in the 1st round.
10. Wilfred Benítez KOs Roberto Gonzalez
On June 2, 1977 Wilfred Benítez faced Roberto Gonzalez. Benítez was 18 years old with a record of 29-0-1, and Gonzalez was 0 with a record of 0-0. Benítez was coming off a win. Benítez stopped Roberto Gonzalez via KO in the 1st round.