[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 124 (Thursday, September 17, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO WILFREDO BENITEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 17, 1998

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Wilfredo 
Benitez, an outstanding Puerto Rican athlete, who has been a successful 
boxer. He was honored on Friday, September 11, at the ``Centro Cultural 
Latino'' in my Bronx congressional district.
  Mr. Benitez was born in the Bronx, New York, on September 12, 1958. 
His record speaks volumes about his achievements: 53 wins, 8 losses, 1 
draw, 31 knockouts. He has been in the Boxing Hall of Fame in 
Canastota, New York, since 1996.
  On March 6, 1976, at the age of 17, he defeated Antonio Cervantes for 
the Junior Welterweight title in 15 rounds. He is the youngest in 
boxing history to capture the World Boxing Association (WBA) title.
  On January 14, 1979, he defeated Carlos Palomino for the World Boxing 
Council (WBC) Welterweight title.
  On May 23, 1981, he defeated Maurice Hope by knockout in the 12th 
round for the Junior Welterweight title.
  Through his long dedication and success in boxing, Mr. Benitez has 
served as a role model for millions of youngsters in the United States 
and Puerto Rico who, like him, dream of succeeding in the world of 
sports.
  Mr. Speaker I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. 
Wilfredo Benitez for his contributions and dedication to boxing, as 
well as for serving as a role model for the youth of Puerto Rico and 
America.

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