By Jim Amato / Senior Boxing Writer

NOTE: Jim Amato has contributed to dmboxing.com since 2008. His opinions and input to this website are honest and to the highest level of expertise … to view all of Jim’s article pieces – go to Categories section and click onto Jim Amato.

Bennie Briscoe may have been the ” Baddest ” middleweight to never win the title. He finally received a long overdue shot at ” King ” Carlos Monzon and almost pulled the upset when he hurt Monzon in the ninth round. Carlos rallied to win the decision. In a battle for the WBC version of the title Bennie was stopped by the vastly under rated Rodrigo Valdez. After Monzon twice edged Valdez and retired, Bennie met Valdez again for the vacant title and lost a decision. Another worthwhile 160 pound contender during the Monzon era was Jean Claude Bouttier. Carlos beat the Frenchman twice but held him in very high regard.

Armando Muniz was as tough as nails. He was a leading welterweight contender for years. Four times Mando would challenge for the coveted crown and four times he would come up short. He twice met the great Jose Napoles. ” Mantaquilla ” won the first one in a controversial match. Jose left no doubt in winning a decision in a rematch. Muniz would also lose twice to the formable Carlos Palomino in title attempts.