Surviving the punches of Carlos Monzon and Marvin Hagler and making it to the final bell against both is an achievement reserved for the elite—or rather, for just one man. The legendary iron-chinned fighter Bennie Briscoe was the only boxer in history who, over the course of his long and glorious career, managed to withstand both the ferocious Argentine and the “Marvelous” American. On the anniversary of his passing on December 28, 2010, we revisit the fascinating sporting journey of Philadelphia’s “Bad” Bennie Briscoe.
The Rocky Beginnings of Bad Bennie
With an amateur record of 70 wins and 3 losses, Briscoe seemed destined for success in the pro ranks, winning his first fifteen bouts. Born in Augusta and later relocating to Philadelphia, where he trained alongside the great Joe Frazier, he earned the nickname “Bad” for his relentless, merciless style that allowed him to wear down his opponents until they crumbled. While his early foes highlighted Bennie’s strengths, others exposed his flaws: he was lethal against stationary opponents but could be outmaneuvered by those who relied on speed and footwork.
Briscoe, who interestingly wore the Star of David on his trunks as a nod to his Jewish managers Jimmy Iselin and Arnold Weiss, soon suffered his first losses. Not all defeats, however, were clean-cut. A notorious example was his bout against Stanley Hayward, who, after being awarded a split decision, spent two days in the hospital. Briscoe sarcastically questioned the outcome, wondering how much punishment was needed to earn a victory.
Rising Through the Ranks: A Draw with Monzon and the Title Quest
Despite a few setbacks, Briscoe was building an impressive record. Following a respectable loss to Cuban star Luis Rodriguez, he was invited to Buenos Aires to test the local rising star, the legendary Carlos Monzon, who would go on to make boxing history. Reports of their fight, which ended in a draw, differ significantly.
Argentine press, eager to celebrate their champion, depicted the match as an epic battle, highlighting Briscoe’s stoic refusal of water and a stool between rounds as he marched forward, absorbing Monzon’s right hands. In contrast, Sports Illustrated journalist Mark Kram described the bout as dull and uneventful. Regardless, the experience proved invaluable for Briscoe, who went on to win 24 of his next 30 bouts. Five years after their draw in Buenos Aires, he returned to the Argentine capital to challenge Monzon for the middleweight world title, seeking closure for their unfinished business.
A Breath Away from Glory: The Right Hand That Wasn’t Enough
One of boxing’s most captivating aspects is its unpredictability: a single punch can change the course of a fight in an instant, even for a boxer trailing badly. Monzon had made significant strides between 1967 and 1972, and this time, his technical superiority over Briscoe was evident. Escopeta boxed smartly as an outfighter, using his jab like a piston, doubling up his punches when the opportunity arose, and occasionally stepping forward to assert dominance before retreating to his original strategy.
Time was slipping away, and Bennie struggled to gain a foothold, losing round after round. Then, like lightning from a clear sky, a devastating right hand connected with the champion’s face in the ninth round, briefly sending Monzon reeling into the ropes. If Monzon hadn’t been made of stone, the fight might have ended there. But the Argentine was as resilient as a cat with nine lives; he weathered the storm, regained control, and secured a clear points victory.
From Glory to Defeat: The Masterpiece Against Mundine and the Disaster with Valdes
Undeterred by his failed South American venture, Briscoe soon positioned himself as a contender for the world title once again. The WBC had stripped Monzon of his belt after the Argentine refused to face mandatory challenger Rodrigo Valdes. While Monzon retained his WBA crown, the WBC belt was up for grabs, offering a golden opportunity for Briscoe. To earn his shot, Bennie had to face Australian Tony Mundine in Paris. Mundine, known for his refined technique and graceful movement, was the clear favorite against Briscoe’s rough-and-ready style.
Early rounds seemed to favor fans of aesthetic boxing, but the outcome proved just how critical toughness and endurance are at the highest levels. Shaken by a powerful right hand in the fifth round, Mundine retreated to the corner, only to be overwhelmed by a relentless combination that ended the fight. This was Bad Bennie’s greatest triumph. However, the world title bout that followed marked his worst defeat.
Rodrigo Valdes, who had already beaten Briscoe on points once before, dominated most of the first six rounds before unleashing a devastating right hook that froze Briscoe momentarily, followed by a crushing left that sealed the deal. That Briscoe managed to get back to his feet before the referee wisely stopped the fight was nothing short of miraculous.
The Final World Title Shot and Wars with Antuofermo and Hagler
Briscoe’s determination was as unyielding as his chin. The brutal knockout defeat didn’t extinguish his hopes of claiming a world title. When Monzon’s retirement left the middleweight belts vacant once again, Bad Bennie squared off in Campione d’Italia against his nemesis Valdes, who had already bested him twice. This third encounter was less fiery than their previous clashes: Valdes, worn down by battles with Monzon, still had enough left to outbox Briscoe, who was beginning to show the wear of his 77 grueling fights. Briscoe lost a respectable decision.
The American continued to fight for five more years, taking on notable opponents like Italy’s Vito Antuofermo, who narrowly outlasted him by increasing his pace in the later rounds, and “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler. Briscoe and Hagler shattered the attendance record at Philadelphia’s Spectrum for a non-title fight, drawing nearly 15,000 fans. They were treated to a thrilling spectacle. Hagler displayed early signs of the greatness he would later achieve, but Briscoe was heroic, absorbing an avalanche of punches without ever faltering.
A Gentle End to a Brutal Career
After three more years with little success, a nearly 40-year-old Briscoe entered the ring one last time. In his farewell bout, he showed he was no longer the “Bad” Bennie of old. Facing the inexperienced Jimmy Sykes, Briscoe dominated the first two rounds with ease. But then, as he returned to his corner, he told his team he no longer wanted to hurt the young fighter. Over the remaining eight rounds, he passively endured Sykes’s offense.
The countless wars Briscoe had fought over his career had finally softened the heart of Philadelphia’s Bad Bennie. That day, he stepped out of the ring for good, leaving behind a legacy of courage, ferocity, and unshakable determination.