 San Juan, Puerto Rico- In a short celebration today, Team Puerto Rico Boxing visited the home of three-time world champion and Puerto Rican hero Wilfred “The Radar” Benitez and awarded him the rank of Honorary Captain of the professional boxing team. They also made a donation to his care of $2000.
In an atmosphere of camaraderie and appreciation “El Radar” graciously accepted the honor from Team Puerto Rico in front of his sister Yvonne Benítez, his nephews and immediate family.
Benitez was world boxing champion in three different weight divisions and the youngest world champion in boxing history.
“Being able to help a boxing hero such as Benítez is not only an honor, but a duty for all the joy he provided to this island. To be in his presence and be able to help him is something I will never forget,” said Javier Bustillo, president of Universal Promotions.
Because of a decline in his health, family have taken over the daily care of this great fighter.
On behalf of the Benitez family, Yvonne Benitez added, “I will never forget this gift from Team Puerto Rico. We are very grateful for the money and the position that has been awarded to my brother, as an Honorary Captain. Thanks to Team Puerto Rico’s boxers and its promoters who were here to support my dear brother.”
Team Puerto Rico Boxing is composed of the highly decorated fighters: César “Junito” Seda, Jr. (20-1, 15 KOs), José “Sniper” Pedraza (2-0, 2 KOs), Thomas Dulorme (11-0, 10 KOs),Jonathan “Mantequilla” Gonzalez (13-0, 13 KOs), Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle (12-0, 10 KOs), Hector “El Flaco” Sanchez (19-1, 9 KOs), Kenny “Batllestar” Galarza (14-1, 14 KOs) and Jorge “Machito” Maysonet (3-0, 2 KOs).
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| Thomas Dulorme and Benitez |
“I’ve seen many of his fights and his skill was of another level, Benitez was truly special. I feel very good to be able to help,” said Seda, Jr.
For his part, José Pedraza said, “I grew up watching him fight and it was impressive to see him in action. He had it all. It’s really special to me, to see him in person.”
The presentation to Benitez was put together by the companies promoting Team Puerto Rico: Universal Promotions, Gary Shaw Productions, DiBella Entertainment and Warriors Boxing.
“I could not be present due to prior commitments, but I have Benitez in my heart. It is an honor that he has accepted the position of Honorary Captain. We, as promoters, have a duty that goes beyond just putting on fights. We must also support the fighters of past and present and that’s what we tried to do today, ” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment.
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| Jose Pedraza and Benitez |
For his part, Gary Shaw, President of Gary Shaw Productions said, “Benitez is a legend and it is an honor for us to have his support as Honorary Captain. I’m sure that Team Puerto Rico through its actions within the ring will do justice to this gentleman of boxing.”
“Benitez is one of the best ever and is an honor for me to help him,” said Leon Margules, president of Warriors Boxing. Team Puerto Rico Boxing was developed by Shaw, DiBella, Bustillo and Margules in order to group the best young talent on the island on one team.
Team Puerto Rico’s Next Appearance:
Back-to-back, on June 10 and 11 (Friday and Saturday before the 2011 National Puerto Rican Day Parade on Sunday) at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City, Gary Shaw Productions and DiBella Entertainment will present Boricua Invasion I and II, featuring members of Team Puerto Rico Boxing, the eight-man team of Puerto Rico’s future ring stars.
Friday’s Boricua Invasion I will feature the unstoppable welterweight on everybody’s “one to watch” list, Thomas Dulorme (11-0, 10 KOs) vs. former world champion DeMarcus Corley; Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico’s highlight-reel welterweight KO specialist Kenny “Battlestar” Galarza (14-1, 14 KOs) vs. Puerto Rican compatriot Irving Garcia and the future superstar already fighting in main events after just two bouts, Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (2-0, 2 KOs). The main bouts of Boricua Invasion I will be televised on ESPN Friday Night Fights.
Saturday’s Boricua Invasion II will feature four more members of Team Puerto Rico: featherweight Luis “Orlandito” Del Valle (12-0, 10 KOs) vs. Dat Nguyen; junior middleweight Jonathan “Mantequilla Gonzalez (12-0, 12 KOs); and light welterweight Hector “El Flaco” Sanchez (19-1, 9 KOs) vs. Vincent Arroyo. Also scheduled for action are Team Puerto Rico light welterweight Jorge “Machito” Maysonet Jr. (3-0, 2 KOs); plus a special off-TV appearance by Puerto Rico-born light welterweight Gabriel “Tito” Bracero (15-0, 1 KO) of Brooklyn. The main bouts of Boricua Invasion II will be broadcast live on Showtime: The New Generation.
Tickets for Boricua Invasion I on Friday, June 10 are priced at $175, $125, $75, $45 and are available through Ticketmaster.com, charge-by-phone, or at any Ticketmaster outlet. On Friday, doors will open at 6:00 pm and the action starts at 6:30.
Tickets for Boricua Invasion II on Saturday, June 11 are priced at $200, $150, $85, and $55 and are available through Ticketmaster.com, charge-by-phone, or at any Ticketmaster outlet. On Saturday, doors will open at 7:00 pm and the action starts at 7:30.
For VIP Package tickets to both nights, please call DiBella Entertainment at 212-947-2577.
The Roseland Ballroom is located at 239 West 52nd Street in New York City.
All bouts are subject to change.
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