George Benton

George Benton was a renowned American boxer and trainer, born on May 15, 1933, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He began boxing at a young age, turning professional at 16. Benton's fighting career spanned from 1949 to 1970, during which he achieved a remarkable record of 62 wins, 13 losses, and 1 draw. He was never knocked out in his 76 professional fights, a testament to his defensive prowess. Benton was ranked as the #1 middleweight in the world but never received a title shot, despite defeating future champions like Freddie Little, Jimmy Ellis, and Joey Giardello. As a trainer, Benton worked with notable fighters such as Evander Holyfield, Leon Spinks, and Pernell Whitaker. He was recognized as "Trainer of the Year" in 1989 and 1990 by the Boxing Writers Association of America. Benton's strategic brilliance and ability to adapt fighters to different styles were key to his success. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2001. Benton passed away on September 19, 2011, leaving behind a legacy as both a skilled boxer and an exceptional trainer. His impact on boxing continues through the careers of those he trained and mentored.