George Benton
Born: May 15, 1933
Died: Sept. 19, 2011
Induction: 2001
He was born in 1933, one of eleven children. He grew up in Philadelphia and as a teenager discovered boxing.
He turned pro at the age of 16 and by the 1950s and 60s he was a top rated middleweight contender who was known for his classic boxing skills. He posted wins over the likes of Joey Giardello and Jimmy Ellis and also fought Luis Rodriguez and Hurricane Carter. He retired in 1970.
However, Benton's association with boxing was hardly over and he turned his attention to training. He studied under Eddie Futch and was in Joe Frazier's corner for "The Thrilla in Manilla." He also orchestrated the strategy of Leon Spinks' upset of Muhammad Ali.
Known for his quiet demeanor, the "Professor" has imparted his boxing knowledge to such fighters as Evander Holyfield, Leon Spinks, Mike McCallum, Pernell Whitaker, Meldrick Taylor, Rocky Lockridge and Johnny Bumphus.
For 17 years, Benton worked together with Lou Duva and Main Events as the head trainer for many of their fighters. In 1989, he was awarded with the John FX Condon Award for "Trainer of the Year" by the Boxing Writers Association of America.