Thomas Hearns, the legendary "Hitman" of boxing, has picked Wilfred Benitez as the greatest fighter he ever faced. This revelation came during a "Best I Faced" interview with The Ring Magazine, surprising many who expected him to name one of his more famous rivals.
Hearns, a five-weight world champion, carved out an incredible career that spanned nearly 30 years. He started boxing professionally in 1977 and quickly rose to prominence in the 1980s. The "Hitman" made history as the first boxer to win world titles in five different weight classes, capping this achievement with a unanimous decision victory over the WBA world light-heavyweight champion in 1991.
During his prime, Hearns was part of an elite group known as the "Four Kings," which included Roberto Duran, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, and Sugar Ray Leonard. He beat Duran, lost to Hagler, and had mixed results against Leonard, losing their first bout and ending up with a contentious draw in the rematch.
But when asked about his toughest opponent, Hearns looked past these legendary names and singled out Wilfred Benitez. He explained his choice:
"I would say Wilfred Benitez was very good. He was slick and very crafty. I like Benitez's craft. He moved well and fights all around the ring."
Benitez, nicknamed "El Radar," was often referred to as the "fifth king" of that era. He started his professional career at just 15 years old in 1973. Three years later, he made history by becoming the youngest world champion ever, dethroning WBA world light-welterweight champion Antonio Cervantes at the age of 17.
Benitez's exceptional defensive skills and ring IQ made him a formidable opponent for anyone. He lost to Sugar Ray Leonard in 1979 but bounced back to beat Roberto Duran in January 1982. Later that same year, he faced Hearns, losing by majority decision in a closely contested bout.
Hearns' fights against the other "Kings" are often remembered as some of the greatest in boxing history, but his praise for Benitez sheds light on a sometimes overlooked champion of that era.
Sadly, Benitez's story serves as a stark reminder of boxing's dangers. He suffered severe brain damage from repeated head trauma, leading to a debilitating neurological illness later in life. His tragic decline underscores the risks fighters face in pursuit of glory in the ring.
Hearns' recognition of Benitez as his greatest opponent not only honors a skilled boxer but also brings attention to a fighter whose legacy might otherwise be overshadowed by his more famous contemporaries.
