RIP George Benton

George Benton died on Monday after suffering a long illness. Born in Philly Benton had a long career in boxing as fighter and trainer. Benton was taught by the late great Eddie Futch and worked as trainer with fighters like Joe Fraiser, Evander Holyfield and Meldrick Taylor. Boxing has lost another link to the old school.

2x trainer of the year!

Saw this on the IBRO terrible shame, top trainer and according to all reports a very decent fighter in his day RIP

That's very sad news.

dont mean to make light but i misread this as RIP GEORGE FOREMAN i was like this may scupper our little q and a...

Nice simple tribute there, OneTwo, and all that was needed, really - Benton's credentials speak for themselves. As you say, though, another link to the golden era of boxing sadly gone. Rest In Peace.

A true innovator of the sport

Apparently George fought as a pro from 1949 to 1970, never fought for a world title, never went down and fought the likes of Bennie Briscoe,JoeyGiandello, Rubin Carter and Jimmy Ellis.

Credited as one of the first fighters to use the philly shell as well

Sad news, R.I.P.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-S-ng23OXg

Whilst I didn't mis-read it as George Foreman, I WAS wondering whether on not the death of soul singer George Benton deserved a place on the boxing forum

Good tributes and I'd like to add mine..quality fighter and cool clued up trainer/cornerman...who's voice sounded reassuring..

Good tributes by all except the village idiot..which is sadly to be expected.

I would just like to echo the sentiments of the other lads. Sad news and a loss to the sport. R.I.P

Yeah RIP George