George Benton, a technical fighter who gained further fame as the trainer of Hall of Famers Pernell Whitaker and Evander Holyfield, died Monday morning (September 19) of pneumonia complications at a Philadelphia hospital. He was 78 years old.
Benton fought for 21 years (1949-1970), amassing a record of 62-13-1 with 37 KOs. Starting out as a welterweight, he found his most success as a middleweight, posting a 1962 win over Joey Giardello. He would also compete against Rubin “Hurricane” Carter and fellow Philly fighter Bennie Briscoe.
Upon his retirement, Benton studied as a trainer under legend Eddie Futch and worked with Joe Frazier, Leon Spinks, Bennie Briscoe and Mike McCallum. He amassed his most accomplished stable in the late 80 to early 90s, which included Evander Holyfield, Pernell Whitaker and Meldrick Taylor. He was awarded Trainer of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America in 1989. Benton entered the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2001 as a trainer.
At press time, funeral arrangements for Benton have not been announced.
VS. RUBIN CARTER
VS. JOHNNY SMITH
CORNER ADVICE
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 