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Boxing trainer and middleweight George Benton dies at age 78

Legendary Philadelphia boxer and trainer George Benton died from pneumonia early Monday morning at St. Joseph's Hospital. He was 78.

BLUEP. PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL S. WIRTZ. 6-29-04. PHOTO PROJECT ON THE BLUE HORIZON. IN THIS PHOTO..... George Benton,71, visits the Legendary Blue Horizon. He fought professionally from 1949 ro 1970. His record 61-13-1( 36 kayos). After retiring he became a successful trainer (Evander Holyfield and Pernell Whitaker).
BLUEP. PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL S. WIRTZ. 6-29-04. PHOTO PROJECT ON THE BLUE HORIZON. IN THIS PHOTO..... George Benton,71, visits the Legendary Blue Horizon. He fought professionally from 1949 ro 1970. His record 61-13-1( 36 kayos). After retiring he became a successful trainer (Evander Holyfield and Pernell Whitaker).Read more
    by Matt Breen, Inquirer Staff Writer
    Published 

Legendary Philadelphia boxer and trainer George Benton died from pneumonia early Monday morning at St. Joseph's Hospital. He was 78.

As a middleweight, Mr. Benton compiled a 62-13-1 record, with 37 knockouts, over a 21-year career that was highlighted by victories over future world champions Jimmy Ellis, Freddie Little, and Joey Giardello.

In 1970, Mr. Benton was an innocent bystander but suffered a gunshot wound that ended his ring career. He went on to train some of the sport's top combatants, including Philadelphia's Bennie Briscoe and Joe Frazier as well as Evander Holyfield, Leon Spinks and Pernell Whitaker.

Mr. Benton is survived by his wife, Mildred, and six sons. Funeral arrangements have not been set.

"He was gorgeous, lovable. Everybody loved him," said his son, Ondra Benton.

Mr. Benton was in Frazier's corner during his 1975 "Thriller in Manila" fight with Muhammad Ali and three years later with Leon Spinks when he upset Ali.

In 1984, Mr. Benton trained Holyfield after Holyfield earned a bronze medal at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He remained Holyfield's trainer until 1992. During that span, Holyfield held the cruiserweight title and spent two years as undisputed heavyweight champion.

Although Mr. Benton and Holyfield came from different backgrounds - Holyfield was raised in the South - Holyfield said the two bonded over their strong work ethic and approach to the sport. Mr. Benton was known as a defensive fighter who could outthink his opponent.

Holyfield said he was impacted by the fact that Mr. Benton was never awarded a title shot during his career.

"I think for a man that was as great a fighter as he was and didn't get the opportunity to fight for a championship, it made me appreciate the opportunities that I had," Holyfield said.