Bennie Briscoe

"Bad" Bennie Briscoe (February 8, 1943 – December 28, 2010) was an American professional boxer. A fan favorite for his punching power, he was known as the "quintessential Philadelphia boxer,"[1] and one of the greatest fighters of his era who due to various reasons did not become a world champion.[2]

Bennie Briscoe
Briscoe in a 1972 cover of Argentina magazine "El Grafico"
Statistics
Real nameBennie Briscoe
Nickname(s)Bad
Black Robot
Weight(s)Super Middleweight
Middleweight
Super Welterweight
Welterweight
Height5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Nationality American
Born(1943-02-08)February 8, 1943
Augusta, Georgia, United States
DiedDecember 28, 2010(2010-12-28) (aged 67)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania United States
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights96
Wins66
Wins by KO53
Losses24
Draws5

"Bad" Bennie fought from 1962 to 1982, and retired with a career record of 66 wins (53 by KO) 24 losses and 5 draws. Briscoe was a top-rated middleweight contender during the 1970s, unsuccessfully challenging for the WBC and WBA world titles on three occasions. Notable former champions and contenders Brisoce fought included Marvin Hagler, Carlos Monzon, Rodrigo Valdéz, Luis Rodríguez, Vicente Rondon, Tony Mundine, Vito Antuofermo, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Emile Griffith, and Vinnie Curto.

Cus D'Amato regarded Briscoe much higher than most of his highly decorated opponents in many respects, particularly for his determination, intimidating posture, constant forward movement, aggressiveness, iron jaw, and ability to absorb punches no matter how solid he was hit, creating an impression of irresistible force to great many of his opponents.[3] Briscoe's relentless walk-forward style earned him a nickname "Black Robot" while fighting abroad (for that reason, French cartoonist Dero portrayed Briscoe as a robot with hammers instead of arms,)[4] forcing even such aggressive fighters as Hagler and Monzon to back-up consistently.[5] He was also sometimes referred to as "the fighting trashman," because he balanced his training early in his career with a day job as a sanitation worker in South Philadelphia.[6]

Early life

Briscoe was born in Augusta, Georgia, to a poor family, one of fourteen children. Usually bold Briscoe said that the reason his hair is cut very short is that "When you're one of fourteen children they can't waste too much money on haircuts," and when he used to go to the barbershop, his father would say "Take it all off."[7] Motivated by his family's poverty, at the age of 16, he moved from Augusta, where he was a star athlete in football and track and field, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to live with an aunt and uncle and attended Simon Gratz High School. There, he eventually began training alongside Joe Frazier, hence is his familiar bobbing-and-weaving style.[8]

Briscoe supported his family, and his mother in particular, sending home a bit of each payday.[9] He worked a series of municipal jobs, including as a sewer inlet cleaner and rat control officer. He eventually took a job with the sanitation department, working on a trash route in South Philadelphia as he continued to train as a boxer. A union worker, he was a member of AFSCME District Council 33.[6]

Amateur career

Briscoe had a standout career as an amateur, compiling a record of 70–3.[10] He won the Middle Atlantic AAU title three times, the last in 1962 at Convention Hall in Philadelphia. Though he did not make it to win the United States National Boxing Championships in Pocatello, April 7, 1961, and in Cincinnati, March 31, 1962, losing to H.C. Massey and to Wade Smith respectively. He turned pro shortly thereafter, being coached by Quinzel McCall.

Despite going pro, Briscoe knew that the life of a boxer could be financially unstable and risky—and wanted to retain his union pension plan—so he continued his work on the trash route until 1973.[6]

Professional career

Bennie was known for his toughness, strong punch and body punching. He fought future middleweight champion Monzon to a draw in Buenos Aires on May 6, 1967, but dropped a 15-round decision to the champion in a 1972 title match, when Briscoe managed to stagger Monzon very badly with a solid lead right at 1:50 of the 9th round, sending Monzon to the ropes with his eyes blinking wide, ropes saved Carlos from falling down to the canvas, followed immediately by a left hook to the chin, and Monzon clinched him tightly to buy a time, though Briscoe didn't make it to finish him for he was not fully recovered after being struck with hepatitis, and local referee constantly interrupted in course of the fight. Each time Briscoe tried to capitalize on the openings, created by Monzon's high handguard, to administer his devastating body shots, which landed perfectly to the body, and by no means below the belt of his opponent, local referee stepped in without hesitation and warned him about low blows. Thus far he restrained himself from throwing body shots, even when in perfect position to do so, constantly afraid of being disqualified. Nevertheless, both losses came essentially due to the fact that Briscoe and his coach did not came up with any decent gameplan or strategy, while Monzon's camp studied the films of Briscoe fights very carefully, adjusting Monzon's style to perfectly counter Briscoe's front-running style, mostly outjabbing and outboxing him from the safe distance, available by the reach advantage.[7]

By the end of 1972, having 56 professional fights under his belt, Briscoe has been floored only three times in his career, twice in the same fight in the 1st round, which he ended with a knockout victory in the 2nd round. Among his first-round victories was also a one-punch-knockout, a further proof of his outstanding punching power.[7]

Briscoe was outpointed by former welterweight and middleweight king Emile Griffith in their first match, but fought Griffith to a draw in a rematch. He was outpointed by future middleweight champions Marvin Hagler and Vito Antuofermo on the downside of his career.

Bennie also fought Rodrigo Valdez three times. He was outpointed twice, but Valdez scored a rare KO over Briscoe in an elimination match to determine the WBC middleweight champion on May 25, 1974 - it was the only time in 96 fights that Briscoe was ever stopped. The WBC had decided to "strip" Monzon of its version of the middleweight crown, although the rest of the world continued to recognize Monzon as champion.

Briscoe was one of the most feared middleweights of his era. In 2003, he was named in The Ring's list of 100 greatest punchers of all time.[11] His final record was 66-24-5 with 53 knockouts and one no contest.

Briscoe fought with the Star of David on his boxing trunks in tribute to his managers, first Jimmy Iselin, whose father Phil owned the New York Jets, and Arnold M. Weiss.

Professional boxing record

66 Wins (53 knockouts, 13 decisions), 24 Losses (1 knockout, 23 decisions), 5 Draws, 1 No Contest [12]
Result Opp.
Record
Opponent Type Round Date Location Notes
Loss 66–24–5 (1) Jimmie Sykes UD 10 15/12/1982 The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Loss 66–23–5 (1) Ralph Hollett SD 10 01/06/1982 Halifax Forum, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Win 66–22–5 (1) Norberto Sabater TKO 5 23/03/1982 Tropicana Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 65–22–5 (1) Rick Noggle KO 6 23/12/1981 Canton Memorial Civic Center, Canton, Ohio, United States
Loss 64–22–5 (1) Nick Ortiz SD 10 30/01/1981 Felt Forum, New York City, United States 3-6, 6-4, 2-8.
Loss 64–21–5 (1) Vinnie Curto PTS 10 15/12/1980 Hynes Convention Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Win 64–20–5 (1) Richie "The Bandit" Bennett PTS 10 25/08/1980 Martin Luther King Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Loss 63–20–5 (1) Richie "The Bandit" Bennett UD 10 24/01/1980 Upper Darby Forum, Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, United States 44-47, 43-47, 43-50.
Loss 63–19–5 (1) Clement Tshinza PTS 10 20/10/1979 Country Hall du Sart Tilman, Liege, Belgium
Win 63–18–5 (1) Teddy Mann UD 10 11/09/1979 Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States 48-43, 47-42, 47-43.
Win 62–18–5 (1) Joe Barrientes TKO 6 14/08/1979 Steel Pier Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 61–18–5 (1) Nick Ortiz PTS 10 23/05/1979 DC Armory, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Loss 60–18–5 (1) David "Chevy" Love UD 10 05/02/1979 Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States 44-47, 46-47, 41-49.
Loss 60–17–5 (1) Marvin Hagler UD 10 24/08/1978 Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States 43-48, 43-49, 44-47.
Win 60–16–5 (1) Bob "The Hunter" Patterson KO 5 24/05/1978 Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Patterson knocked out at 0:31 of the fifth round.
Win 59–16–5 (1) Tony Chiaverini TKO 8 31/03/1978 Kansas City Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, Missouri, United States Referee stopped the bout at 1:05 of the eighth round.
Loss 58–16–5 (1) Vito Antuofermo UD 10 04/02/1978 Madison Square Garden, New York City, United States 7-3, 6-3, 7-2-1.
Loss 58–15–5 (1) Rodrigo Valdez UD 15 05/11/1977 Campione d'Italia, Italy WBA/WBC World Middleweight Title. 144-146, 143-148, 142-149.
Win 58–14–5 (1) Sammy Barr TKO 8 26/07/1977 Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 57–14–5 (1) Jean Mateo KO 10 31/03/1977 Pavillon de Paris, Paris, France
Win 56–14–5 (1) Karl Vinson UD 10 17/01/1977 Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Draw 55–14–5 (1) Willie "Sweetwater" Warren PTS 10 20/12/1976 Salle Leyrit, Nice, France
Win 55–14–4 (1) Emetrio Villanueva TKO 4 16/08/1976 Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Draw 54–14–4 (1) Emile Griffith PTS 10 26/06/1976 Stade Louis II, Monte Carlo, Monaco
Win 54–14–3 (1) Eugene Hart KO 1 06/04/1976 Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Hart knocked out at 1:49 of the first round.
Win 53–14–3 (1) Jose Martin Flores KO 7 25/02/1976 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Flores knocked out at 2:45 of the seventh round.
Draw 52–14–3 (1) Eugene Hart PTS 10 18/11/1975 Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States 46-44, 44-45, 45-45.
Win 52–14–2 (1) Eddie Mustafa Muhammad SD 10 18/08/1975 Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States 46-44, 49-42, 46-44.
Win 51–14–2 (1) Stanley "Kitten" Hayward UD 10 16/06/1975 Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Draw 50–14–2 (1) Vinnie Curto PTS 10 07/04/1975 Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States 44-46, 46-46, 48-42.
Win 50–14–1 (1) Lenny Harden KO 10 14/01/1975 Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Harden knocked out at 1:36 of the tenth round.
Loss 49–14–1 (1) Emile Griffith MD 10 09/10/1974 Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States 41-45, 43-48, 45-45.
Loss 49–13–1 (1) Rodrigo Valdez TKO 7 25/05/1974 Stade Louis II, Monte Carlo, Monaco WBC World Middleweight Title.
Win 49–12–1 (1) Tony Mundine KO 5 25/02/1974 Palais des Sports, Paris, France
Win 48–12–1 (1) Willie "Sweetwater" Warren TKO 7 08/12/1973 Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Referee stopped the bout at 1:52 of the seventh round.
Win 47–12–1 (1) Ruben "El Zurdo" Arocha KO 3 22/10/1973 Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Arocha knocked out at 1:24 of the third round.
Loss 46–12–1 (1) Rodrigo Valdez PTS 12 01/09/1973 Noumea, New Caledonia NABF Middleweight Title.
Win 46–11–1 (1) Billy "Dynamite" Douglas TKO 8 25/06/1973 Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States NABF Middleweight Title. Referee stopped the bout at 2:42 of the eighth round.
Win 45–11–1 (1) Art Hernandez TKO 3 26/03/1973 Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States NABF Middleweight Title. Referee stopped the bout at 1:19 of the third round.
Win 44–11–1 (1) Carlos Alberto Salinas KO 5 29/01/1973 Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Salinas knocked out at 2:22 of the fifth round.
Loss 43–11–1 (1) Carlos Monzon UD 15 11/11/1972 Estadio Luna Park, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina WBA/WBC World Middleweight Titles. 139-150, 139-149, 143-149.
Win 43–10–1 (1) Luis Vinales TKO 7 11/10/1972 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Referee stopped the bout at 2:41 of the seventh round.
Loss 42–10–1 (1) Luis Vinales SD 10 19/04/1972 Catholic Youth Center, Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States Referee stopped the bout at 2:41 of the seventh round.
Win 42–9–1 (1) Jorge Rosales KO 1 21/03/1972 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Rosales knocked out at 2:28 of the first round.
Win 41–9–1 (1) Al Quinney TKO 2 18/01/1972 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Referee stopped the bout at 1:35 of the second round.
Win 40–9–1 (1) Rafael "El Presidente" Gutierrez KO 2 15/11/1971 Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Gutierrez knocked out at 2:17 of the second round.
Win 39–9–1 (1) Charley "Bad News" Austin TKO 1 14/10/1971 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Referee stopped the bout at 1:46 of the first round.
Win 38–9–1 (1) Juarez De Lima TKO 2 10/08/1971 Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 37–9–1 (1) Carlos Marks KO 5 03/05/1971 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Marks knocked out at 0:31 of the fifth round.
Win 36–9–1 (1) Tom "The Bomb" Bethea TKO 6 22/03/1971 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 35–9–1 (1) Ned Edwards KO 2 12/01/1971 The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Edwards knocked out at 2:25 of the second round.
Win 34–9–1 (1) Harold Richardson TKO 6 02/11/1970 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 33–9–1 (1) Eddie "Red Top" Owens KO 6 23/09/1970 The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Owens knocked out at 1:22 of the sixth round.
Win 32–9–1 (1) Joe "Buzz" Shaw TKO 7 16/03/1970 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Loss 31–9–1 (1) Joe "Buzz" Shaw MD 10 18/11/1969 Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States 44-47, 45-46, 45-45.
Win 31–8–1 (1) Tito Marshall KO 1 30/09/1969 The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Marshall knocked out at 0:52 of the first round.
Win 30–8–1 (1) Percy Manning KO 4 19/05/1969 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Manning knocked out at 2:06 of the fourth round.
Win 29–8–1 (1) Jose "Monon" Gonzalez TKO 5 10/03/1969 Madison Square Garden, New York City, United States
Loss 28–8–1 (1) Juarez De Lima SD 10 14/02/1969 Felt Forum, New York City, United States 2-7, 2-8, 7-3.
Win 28–7–1 (1) Vicente Rondon TKO 8 26/01/1969 San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States
Win 27–7–1 (1) Charley "Bad News" Austin SD 10 18/11/1968 Philadelphia Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States 45-46, 48-42, 47-45.
Win 26–7–1 (1) Pedro Miranda KO 7 02/11/1968 San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States
Loss 25–7–1 (1) Vicente Rondon UD 10 23/09/1968 Hiram Bithorn Stadium, San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States
Win 25–6–1 (1) Jose "Monon" Gonzalez UD 10 20/08/1968 Madison Square Garden, New York City, United States
Win 24–6–1 (1) Gene "Honey Bear" Bryant TKO 8 07/08/1968 Silver Slipper, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 23–6–1 (1) Yoland Leveque DQ 4 25/03/1968 Palais des Sports, Paris, France
Loss 23–5–1 (1) Luis Manuel Rodriguez UD 10 15/12/1967 Madison Square Garden, New York City, United States 2-8, 2-7, 4-6.
Win 23–4–1 (1) Jimmy Lester TKO 6 20/11/1967 Philadelphia Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Referee stopped the bout at 1:53 of the sixth round.
Win 22–4–1 (1) Ike White TKO 3 30/10/1967 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 21–4–1 (1) Georgie "Deacon" Johnson TKO 4 09/10/1967 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Referee stopped the bout at 1:51 of the fourth round.
Win 20–4–1 (1) Bobby "Sweet Boy" Warthen TKO 7 29/05/1967 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Referee stopped the bout at 1:46 of the seventh round.
Draw 19–4–1 (1) Carlos Monzon PTS 10 06/05/1967 Estadio Luna Park, Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Loss 19–4 (1) Luis Manuel Rodriguez UD 10 20/03/1967 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States 42-48, 43-47, 45-47.
Win 19–3 (1) George Benton RTD 9 05/12/1966 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 18–3 (1) C.L. Lewis TKO 6 10/10/1966 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
NC 17–3 (1) C.L. Lewis NC 4 25/07/1966 Philadelphia Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Loss 17–3 Stanley "Kitten" Hayward SD 10 06/12/1965 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States 43-48, 47-46, 45-47.
Loss 17–2 Tito Marshall UD 10 20/09/1965 Philadelphia Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 17–1 Doug McLeod KO 1 10/05/1965 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 16–1 Jimmy "Rent is 2 Damn High" McMillan KO 1 19/04/1965 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Loss 15–1 Percy Manning PTS 10 29/03/1965 Philadelphia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 15–0 Dave "Sugar" Wyatt KO 7 22/02/1965 Philadelphia A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 14–0 "Sir" Walter Daniels PTS 8 30/11/1964 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 13–0 Percy Manning TKO 8 15/06/1964 Philadelphia Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 12–0 Charley Scott KO 1 09/03/1964 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Pennsylvania Welterweight Title.
Win 11–0 Johnny Clyde PTS 6 20/01/1964 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 10–0 Bobby "MI" Bell KO 1 02/12/1963 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 9–0 "King" Roosevelt Ware TKO 4 11/10/1963 The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 8–0 Joe "Will" Clark PTS 4 22/07/1963 Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 7–0 Cash White TKO 2 25/04/1963 The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 6–0 Chuck McCreary PTS 6 25/03/1963 Philadelphia Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 5–0 "Average" Joe Smith KO 6 28/02/1963 The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Smith knocked out at 1:47 of the sixth round.
Win 4–0 Brad Silas KO 4 11/02/1963 Cambria A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 3–0 Charley Little KO 1 14/01/1963 Cambria A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 2–0 Dave "Sugar" Wyatt KO 3 13/12/1962 The Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 1–0 Sam Samuels PTS 4 10/09/1962 Cambria A.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Death

Bennie Briscoe died on December 28, 2010.[1]

References

  1. Bertucci, Frank (29 December 2010). "Legendary Philly fighter Bennie Briscoe dies at 67". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved 31 December 2010.
  2. Punching from the Shadows: Memoir of a Minor League Professional Boxer, 2018, p. 38.
  3. Cus D'amato and Mike Tyson commenting on the Hagler vs. Briscoe fight (1:18:20 – 1:24:20).
  4. Briscoe Bout is Postponed, By Tom Cushman, Philadelphia Daily News, May 23, 1977, p. 59.
  5. Marvin Hagler vs Bennie Briscoe.
  6. Ryan, Francis, 1971- (2011). AFSCME's Philadelphia Story : Municipal Workers and Urban Power in the Twentieth Century. Philadelphia: Temple University Press. ISBN 978-1-4399-0280-6. OCLC 876514042.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. Carlos Monzon vs Bennie Briscoe II
  8. http://thecomeback.com/queensberryrules/2014-articles/throwback-thursday-carlos-monzon-outpoints-bennie-briscoe-defends-title.html
  9. The Boxer Who Won't Quit. The New York Times
  10. The Ring Magazine, September 1963.
  11. "Ring Magazine's 100 Greatest Punchers". Ring Magazine. Retrieved 31 December 2010.
  12. "Bennie Briscoe : Boxer". Boxrec.com. Retrieved 2012-11-09.
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