Wlfred Benitez vs Jose Napoles

[Bill Paxtom]

September 1975

There was talk, that this bout may have happened in September/October 1975.

In September 1975, Wilfred {Age; 17 years, 0 months} had a record of 23-0-0 {19 KO's},
and was ranked as the #10 WBC Welterweight.

Wilfred was campaigning as a Welterweight, and usually came into the Ring at 147 lbs.

He was also sparring with WBA Welterweight Champion - Angel 'Cholo' Espada, and handling
himself quiet well.

The Skinny >

Gregorio 'Papa' Benitez with financial backing, offered Joe Napoles { $125,000 } to come to
Puerto Rico to defend his Championship against his son.

But, Jose was fearful of fighting outside of Mexico, because he had 'bad scar-tissue' above his
eyes, and the skin opened up easily. Jose felt that a bout in Puerto Rico would be stopped
quickly if his skin opened up.

Jose would only fight in Mexico, where he was given a lot of lee-way with cuts.