Philly Boxing History

MARCH 20, 1967

PHILLY
KILLER
DOES IT
AGAIN
 

Cuba's Luis Rodriguez, the former world welterweight champion, continued his domination of Philly fighters on this day in 1967. His victim this time out was a young Bennie Briscoe, and the victory cemented his status as a real "Philly Killer". 

Bennie brought a promising 19-3 record into this his second fight at 160 pounds, and was fresh off his stoppage  of  George  Benton.  But the far more seasoned Rodriguez, 75-6, proved he was still a force in boxing and in the middleweight division.

Rodriguez used his vast experience and fabled left jab to help him score points, win rounds, and keep the dangerous young Briscoe at a safe distance. In the end, the frustrated Briscoe won a few rounds on the official cards and gained some experience. Rodriguez got the unanimous decision over ten rounds.

The victory added to the Cuban's collection of wins over our fighters. His other victims included Carl Hubbard (KO4), Sugar Hart (W10), Charley Scott (KO9), Jesse Smith (W10), and George Benton (TKO9). Only Percy Manning managed to beat Rodriguez (W10) the previous year. But Luis would avenge that defeat by 1st round TKO later in 1967. He would also repeat his 10-round decision win over Briscoe nine months after their first bout.