Benvenuti ‘no tretiring’

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32450, 10 November 1970, Page 34

Benvenuti ‘no tretiring’

(N.Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright) ROME. The Italian, N. Benvenuti, has said he will not retire from boxing despite losing his world middle-weight title on a twelfth-round knock-out to the Argentinian, C. Monzon, at the week-end.

Benvenuti, aged 32, who suffered the first knock-out of his career from a right hook as he lost his four-vear grasp on the world title, told a press conference that he was prepared to travel to Argentina in his quest to regain the championship. “Just as I gave Monzon a chance, he should not deny me one,” Benvenuti said. “I am used to being number one, and don’t like going down to number two. If Monzon gives me the chance I will accept going to fight In Argentina,” he added. But Italian newspapers, amid speculation that Benvenuti would retire after his shock defeat, quoted Monzon’s promoter, Mr J. C. Lecture, as saying "Benvenuti lost by a knock-out. There will be no return fight” Monzon’s victory brought wild celebrations in Buenos Aires where thousands of ex-

cited Argentinians listened to radio and television transmissions of the fight. Cavalcades of. cars, with horns blaring, paraded through the city’s main streets. COOPER’S BID Meanwhile, in London tonight, the British champion, H. Cooper, will try to recapture the title he relinquished last year when he challenges Spain’s J. Utrain, for the European heavy-weight title. The 36-year-old Cooper was forced to relinquish the title when he was unable to fight because of a leg injury. He maintains he is in better condition now than seven years ago, and last'March outpointed J. Bodell over 15 rounds to regain the British title. Utrain has built up an awesome record in two years and a half as a professional, whining 34 of his 35 fights—33 inside the distance.