Benitez’s knockout losses were always sickening. And seeing him like this now is heartbreaking, especially considering he was the epitome of youth and life. The youngest world champion of all time at 17 and a half years. A record that will realistically never be broken for the rest of time

I've been waiting for you to do a video on Wilfred. Absolutely the 5th King! Him vs. Leonard was a masterclass of the sweet science and him outclassing Duran was amazing. I can't lie, I have thick skin but seeing him in that state at the end of the video broke my freaking heart.

Does anyone else think that Rich needs to be on a bigger platform? These videos are top notch and really show the unfiltered history of boxing. There are some great boxing channels on KZfaq, but this is by far the most interesting of the bunch.

As a Puerto Rican, I’ve been waiting for someone to make a documentary on Benitez. Thank you! Great work!

The end of this documentary is so hard to watch. I know most fighters lives dont end well, but still a great champion like Benitez deserves to be in a better situation.

I don’t recall a great fighter simply disintegrating the way Benitez did. In my opinion, he was at his absolute peak at Junior Middle when he easily defeated Duran (I didn’t realize Roberto trained so hard for this) and crushing Maurice Hope. After Hearns it was pretty much over. The knock out at the hands of Matthew Hilton still hurts after all these years. What a gifted kid he was and what a charismatic personality he had. How things turned out is heart wrenching. Rich, you’ve brought us another gem. Thank you.

I've had arguments with Puerto Ricans because I think Wilfredo was the greatest Puerto Rican fighter ever. My OLD SCHOOL Italian father born in 1921, who was a HUGE boxing fan, watched him for the first time on TV. This guy can box, he reminds me of sugar ray Robinson. Of course he did not hit as hard, he gave Sugar Ray Leonard all he could handle. One of the most underrated fighters ever.

Thank you for this, Benitez is one of the all time greats for me

Wilfred Benitez is most certainly the forgotten great fighter in the all time great late 70s-to late 80s middleweight era, most featuring the 4 kings. This man went toe to toe with young Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns, and legitimately beat Roberto Duran when he was still fighting at a high level. I know it’s been mentioned a lot already, but I can barely even watch the images of him now. This great sport of boxing can take so much physically, emotionally and mentally from a man. I pray that in even the state that he’s in now, that he’s still able to have peace in his heart.

Man...I remember when he fought Ray, I was so nervous because they were both that good. I was too excited when Ray won. We had the best fights free in the 70's and 80's I believe i saw every single one that was on tv. What a time. True on the 5th king.

Wow Rich! Wilfredo Benitez is absolutely the fifth king and I have always included him in any conversation I have ever had when people mention the four kings. As much of a boxing historian as I consider myself to be, I have no explanation as to why I never knew Benitez' back story and am truly shocked and saddened by his current condition. I had no idea he was in this bad of shape. Truly heartbreaking. He is a fighter to the core and is incapable of turning it off. May God bless him. These documentaries you do are very powerful.

As a Puerto Rican myself 🇵🇷, nothing makes me more prouder than having a champion like Benitez. To be able to watch him fight in the era of the other 4 Kings was truly a blessing. Benitez is truly under appreciated. May God Bless Benitez 🙏🙏🙏...#truschoolsports🥊🥊

Wilfred Benitez's record of youngest professional world champ is a record that should never be broken. His current status is due to the fact that at 14 years old he was taking shots from grown- ass professional prizefighting men . I'm sure during training, Wilfred 's sadistic dad thew him in to spar with whoever. No 14 year old child without completely developed brain should be boxing at that level..

Wilfred landed one of the most prolific right hands-on Hope. Incredible stuff.

Wilfredo Benitez schooled Roberto Duran. Duran was so angry and frustrated. As others commented, Benitez was the 5th King.

Thank you, Thank you, thank you, waited forever to see a doc on this great champion and such a sad ending ! My view is that boxing from a very young age does more damage than when older as the brain is still forming. Brilliant boxer and heartbreaking at the same time ! 17 year old world champ wow and turned professional as a child ? And yet, what other path was there ? A product of his environment !

One of my all-time favorite fighters. When he was on, he was amazing.

That was tough. I knew he didn't do so well later and obviously was affected by the career he had. I will always remember him in those dark blue velvet trunks. What a boxer and credit to the sport.

Ah yes, "The 5th King" Thank you for this piece Rich. Breaks my heart to know of what happened with Wilfred. The brain is a crazy thing. Brain trauma is no joke. The stories of him essentially being so out of his mind from head trauma he would run until he passed out, get up, and start running again. Truly sad.

I have no words to describe the feelings I have for such warriors who decline in such a manner.

I’m going to love watching this Doc then switching over to watch HaNZAgod’s Bible of Boxing highlights of Benitez. And even though he lost against Hearns, no one made The Hitman miss the way he did.

sad to see such a legend fighting too long and even started way too early as a pro 😔

Rich I've been following boxing for years im near 60yrs of age and till this day never seen a real true documentary on my countrymen Wilfred Benitez never ever some short 4 to 5 minute run through but you you are a god to the boxing thing that we love ❤ bro rich blessing you are a true boxing legend yourself and 💯🥊💯.thank you again for another great documentary Puerto 🇵🇷 Rico is loving this ✌

I've heard about him having health issues, but I couldn't even imagine how severe they were. You know it's always so sad seeing a man who was very strong, talented beyond any measure, was on a very pinnacle of his sport, and now surviving like this. This hurts me so much. Thank you again, Rich...

So heartbreaking to see this legendary fighter end up the way he has, much like his idol Ali did. Hope Benitez gets the help he needs.

looks like he's got people around him that love him, god bless

17 year old world champ. That record may never be broken.

In one of his last fights, or maybe his last, he was left stranded in Argentina, living on the streets, like a homeless, until a cab driver recognized him and gathered money to send him home. The promoter who set up that fight left him in Argentina stranded, like a stray animal. So sad. Last time I saw him he talked like he was a 5 year old, the beatings he took late in his career damaged him for good.

Thanks a lot for doing this for our great Wilfredo Benitez. He was a great champion with no dedication, can you imagine what would’ve happen if he was 100% dedicated… very sad how everything end up. Benitez! 🇵🇷🔥

I remember Benitez way back in the 80's and thought he was a great fighter with an ability to slip punches like no one else. I didn't know that his health had declined to such a devastating level. Holy shit that's freaking heart breaking to say the least. I believe that him getting knocked out by Hilton did permanent damage to him. Mathew Hilton was a hard hard hitter.

Man I remember watching some of those wars in the 80's & 90's & I believe the late 70's. Had no idea that he ended like that & all that happened to him. Bless you Wilfred, what a boxer in his day!

A hell of an era with so much talent. Benitez always impressed me with his quick combinations, but your awesome footage reminded me of his allusiveness.

@0:57 what a great, dramatic way to introduce the video. "But these experts got it wrong. There was a 5th king".

Always wondered what happened to Benitez. The first time I saw him fight was against Leonard, didn’t know much of his early beginnings in the sport. Fantastic champion and his feat at 17 years of age will probably never be beaten. Hate to see him in his current condition as this happen to many fighters to a lesser or greater extent. It’s no wonder many fighters of today try to negotiate as much as they can monetarily. We as fans don’t really understand the degree of danger involved in combat sports, an when we see fighters “price themselves” out of fights, maybe it’s not always a means to duck, but rather way of securing their own futures, financially. Much respect to Benitez and all of the great champions and fighters who put it on the line simply for our entertainment.

ONE OF THE GREATEST BOXER OF ALL-TIME👍👍👍👍😎😎😎😎👀👀👀👀🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆💥💥💥💥💯💯💯💯👌👌👌👑👑👑👑👑💪💪💪💪💪💪🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥👊👊👊👊CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT ONE 👍👊💪🔥

I've always added Benitez when guys talk about the big 4. Thanks for the video. Great work!!!

One of my favourite fighters of all time. To me one of the GOATS. To me he is in the same bracket as Ali, both sugar rays, Salvador Sanchez, Pernell Whittaker, Roy Jones, and the pretty boy version of Floyd, to name a few. To not include him as one of the kings was just a travesty of boxing. It showed to me that boxing is controlled by the ignorant. Like many things in life. Just because someone has money it doesn’t mean they know what they are talking about. Benitez embarrassed Duran and I have never seen anyone make Sugar Ray miss so much.

I can’t get enough! You knocked it out of the park again!!! 💪 Wilfredo was one of if not the Greatest Puerto Rican Champions ever. Thank you once again Rich! 💪😁. 🐜

Thank you so much for doing a documentary on Wilfred Benitez. Very very underrated. When people are often asked about great defensive fighters , Benitez is in my top 5.

Benitez is my favorite Puerto Rican fighter ever. Roberto Clemente is my favorite baseball player ever. Pele is my favorite soccer player ever.

Considering what a defensive master he was, its shocking how quickly he went downhill, great fighter, great video as well. Nice one.

Thank you Rich you're awesome brother this was my favorite boxer growing up and he definitely belongs with the other 4 talked about in that era, he schooled Duran basically a shut out and he gave Hearns all he could handled in which many believed he pulled it out as well, you could see how happy Tommy was to get the majority decision and he fought Sugar Ray hard too the referee stopping it in the 15th with seconds left he beat hall a fame fighters and legendary ones too like Antonio Cervantes Carlos Palomino three divisions champion and at 17 being a world champion unreal. In Puerto Rico you talk of the greats like Gomez, Ortiz Trinidad Cotto Camacho and you probably would have to put Benitez as the best all around technically sound counter punching defensive wizard as the best of them all. The last move up in weight was too much for him to carry and those harder punchers at 160 probably caused him the most damage this was a Man fighting at 140 most of his fights as well. The results are devastating his ending, truly heartbreaking indeed but he's a hall a fame fighter, who fought the best in his career one of the greats. God cover him, always once again Rich thank you for all you do for all these boxers especially the lesser known ones as well.

I use to train with him in Los Explosivos Boxing Club in Carolina during his last boxing days, he was beaten BADLY by a sparring partner, Manuel "El yuca" Jimenez. So it was not only in fights, but in training that he got so hurt as well. So sorry, so sad.

He was only 17 when he won his first world title against an extremely dangerous fighter at the time Antonio kid Cervantes. Amazing 15 round performance. The only 17 year old boxing champion ever. 🇵🇷 💪

Been waiting for this one for a while, another heart breaking story I’m Judy glad he has family to take care of him

Stark reminder. This sport is no game.. God bless him 🙏 heart wrenching. Truly the Boxing Bible. 👏

The radar was something to see. Youngest world champion ever! 17 years old...wow!

I definitely wasn't expecting that! On the streets in Argentina for two years? Wow! Great documentary again Rich!👊

Haven’t watched it yet but I already know this is going to be amazing it blows my mind that their is no other docos on Wilfred “the 5th king” Benitez already just another example of why I love ur Channel always shining light on the forgotten greats keep up the great work man 💯🥊

Great job Rich. He is a forgotten one when people talk about The Four Kings. Should be Five Kings, like you so eloquently said in the intro.

Thanks for this. We Benitez fans are thrilled to be able to watch these rarely-seen fights. Great job! I remember those days - late 70's and 80's - a Golden Age. One side-comment: 3 championships were amazing for a boxer in those days... then came Manny Pacquiao!

Wow Rich .You’ve outdone yourself again!Benitez was sublime and such a skilled athlete.Boxing has such highs but such lows as well!

OMG! 😞 I was not ready for that ending. 😞

Very smooth boxer. Loved watching him fight, back in the day. He made an art out of it.

Benitez beat my all time favorite fighter when he dethroned Carlos Palomino in early 1979( I was 13 and my mom had passed away a month earlier). I despised Benitez, couldn't stand him. I saw his 1st fight with Bruce Curry and, if New York had a points system instead of the silly round system(meaning 5 knock downs in one round still counts as 1 round won), he would have easily lost. Also, most of the referees today would have stopped that fight when Benitez fell twice during the second knockdown of that fight. I was happy when Leonard whipped him, was upset when he beat Duran and was thrilled when the Hitman took his belt. I didn't start feeling empathy for Wilfred until his ill-advised fight with Hamsho, then his injured, bizarre defeat to Moore. By the time Hilton KO'd him in early 1986, you could see the effects boxing was having on him. Had Wilfred quit then and there after losing to Hilton, he would probably be in a much better state of health. Yes, it's tear-jerking to see this once great champion reduced to a near comatose state. No matter how I felt about him nearly 40+ years ago, he was, and always will be a true champion and yes, the 5th King.

If only he would’ve taken training seriously. One of the greatest boxing what if’s

that's why I admire boxers who hang their gloves early and enjoy the fruit of their labor, very hard breaking to watch Wilfred the way he is.

Great doc. So sorry to see Wilfred in this condition. God bless him

I remember this great fighter,this story really hurt,you wanna see the champions you loved and respect ride off into the sunset, Salute Mr. Benitez you are definitely a true warrior🦾🦾🌞

The best documentary I've seen of Benitez,accurate too.

this knocked me on my ass when i saw how he ended up , i literally prayed right there for him.

Prodigy. Mozart of boxing. Thanks for another masterpiece of your own, Rich.

The greatest PR fighter ever! Very sad the way his life ended. There are so many stories like his in boxing. Something should be done so that stories like Benitez don't end like his.

I was shocked by the ending, never heard of all the failed comeback attempts. Saddest episode I've seen. Never had a clue it ended so badly for him.

Awesome documentary Rich. I knew so little about El Radar's back story, so this epic is very much appreciated. Props to you. Bless up every time bro 👊

Great video I was born in 86 so I didn’t see these fights outside of him & sugar ray. I’ve watched the 4 kings didn’t realize he was a common opponent. crazy he literally gave boxing his entire life !

Damn. Excellent documentary. So sad to see him like this now. There will always be the "what ifs". Had he been more dedicated to training . Had he retired earlier.

My God..... So sad. Where were his rich friends? Imagine going from Millions, to no water in your home.....Heart breaking. Truly.

Really enjoyed this, what a boxer in his prime 👏

Benitez' handlers had no business putting him into the ring after the Hamsho fight. Another great, but sad, video. Thanks Rich.

He would stare you down, but was a sportsman when the fight was over. Tough to see him like this.

These stories so often end in sadness. 😢

5 Kings what an era! Thanks Rich- King of the boxing documentary

Heartbreaking indeed. My prayers are with you & your loving caregivers Wilfred. Que Dios te cuide y te acompañe.

Thanks for the Memories

Great documentary should win an award. This is a guy who's talent overpowered his life.Still lived out his dream. Most never does. Salute to a ring king Wilfredo.

Thanks for this Rich. My goodness me, talk about god giving and takeing away. What an athlete he was and what a wreck he ended up. To say it was like a Shakespearean tradegy is an understatement. There must be a couple of leasons for all of us to learn from his life

There was a time I thought of Benitez as cocky, I was happy when Leonard beat him but over time I came to realize it was just him, his nature. Actually a great guy that was one of the slickest fighters boxing had known, such balance in his stance and power from both hands. Just hung on too long, too many blows at the end, so sorry to see what happen to him. One of the true warriors and I'm glad I was able to see him fight. 👍 Thank you for another well put together video 🥊

Just to think if he would have taken boxing more seriously .Who would have beat him? Admitted, he didn't train for the Leanard fight and still gave Leanard and Hearns a tough fight .Even with that, one of the best defense fighters ever and one of the greatest fighters ever .

Such a small island, that produces giants amongst the world!!!

Suga Ray not only was at all the top fights he was commentating lol 🐐

As a Puerto Rican I really appreciate this documentary Rich thank you for recognize him as the 5th King.

A 3-weight world champ at the age of 22. Arguably one of the most naturally talented fighters ever. What could’ve been if only he had the dedication to match his talent.

Thank you Rich. One of the all time greats. What an era in the welterweight division at that time. Wow

Absolutely heartbreaking...

Heartbreaking to see this .

A friend of mine who was once a fighter told me that boxing is a sport that you get in to get out. Unfortunately, many fighters such as Benitez did not heed that advice.

A great video with a very sad ending. I couldn’t hold back the tears seeing him in his twilight. God bless you champ and you too Rich. 😥😥😥

🥺this is heartbreaking Wilfred was a God in the ring! Just burnt himself out it takes a toll! You always be remembered as warrior champ!

As a Puerto Rican and Benitez fan, that's a tough one to watch, but I whole-heartedly agree he belongs in the mix as an 80s MW-WW king. The stories of his lack of training were public then. Had he trained adequately, the 80s might have looked different.

I sure loved the 15 round fights......those 3 rounds are what made the difference...those were THE Championship rounds!!

With all the money boxing generates it is absolutely heartbreaking to see any forner fighter in such a helpless state. Especially a multi time champion. Boxing needs to have some kind of disability program that would guarantee any fighter who suffers such injuries where they can no longer care for themselves are taken care of accordingly by qualified professionals in that field. They could shave 5% off the fighters' purse and the gate along with the promoters as well. Or something to that effect. There is no way anyone could make me believe the sport as a whole cannot afford to do this. Kind of like a union would be I imagine. Without the fighters there is no sport of boxing for the fans to pay to watch.... it is just sad to see

😢😢😢😢my hero my legendary fighter my most beloved fighter of all times

All I can say is wow and thank you.

Thank you for the history lesson on ( Wilfredo Benitez ) !! ❤❤❤

That's "Wilfred"! Love you,Wilfred!❤🥊👍 #wilfredbenitez #morningdance

Olvidado por todos una verdadera leyenda

I always like Wilfred Benitez and enjoyed the fights when he was in shape and sharp. I think that with more self discipline the heart that he always showed would have carried him much higher in the ranks. The damage to his body and brain led to the end of his life and it just tears me up every time I think about him.

One of the Great P.R. fighters of all time.Thanks for posting.

The youngest champion in history! A record for life!!