Opinion: Why I put George Benton Above Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Before anyone gets upset, I want to share my opinion that George Benton may be more significant than Floyd Mayweather as an all-time best boxer due to his impact on the sport. In my view, Benton’s contributions extended beyond his own boxing career, as he developed and popularized the Philly Shell defense, which has been adopted by numerous successful fighters, including Mayweather himself. This influence on the fighting style of generations of boxers highlights Benton’s significance. Moreover, Benton’s career took place during a highly competitive era in boxing, and he was never knocked out in his professional career, showcasing his skill, determination, and defensive prowess.
On the other hand, while Mayweather has had an impressive and financially successful career, some might argue that his choice of opponents and strategic match-making have helped him maintain his undefeated record. In contrast, Benton faced a more diverse range of skilled fighters throughout his career, further cementing his legacy in the sport. In conclusion, although both George Benton and Floyd Mayweather have had outstanding careers, in my opinion, Benton’s influence, challenging competition, and broader impact on boxing history make a strong case for his greater significance as an all-time best boxer.
George Benton was instrumental in developing and popularizing the “Philly Shell” defense, which has several key aspects:
- Shoulder roll: The lead shoulder is raised to protect the chin, while the rear hand is positioned to guard against hooks and uppercuts.
- Bladed stance: The fighter stands at a slight angle, presenting a smaller target and making it more difficult for the opponent to land clean punches.
- Catching punches: The rear hand is used to catch or deflect incoming punches, minimizing the impact and reducing the likelihood of injury.
- Counterpunching: The Philly Shell enables a fighter to effectively counterpunch by slipping or rolling with punches, creating opportunities for quick and powerful counterattacks.
- Waist movement: The Philly Shell relies on good waist movement and head movement, allowing the fighter to avoid punches by shifting their body and staying elusive.
These aspects of the Philly Shell defense that George Benton invented have been adopted by many successful boxers, including Floyd Mayweather Jr., who is known for his mastery of defensive techniques.
Fun Fact!
Philadelphia has long been known for its abundance of boxing talent. It is widely believed that non-professional fighters, who continued to spar for a living or to stay in shape, developed the Philly Shell. These fighters, often older and with less stamina, created this defensive tactic out of necessity.
