By: Sean Cross
It has been called the “Bible of Boxing”. At the age of 17, he was the youngest world champion in history at the time. He was so lean in the ring, young “Sugar” Ray Leonard couldn’t beat him. The same was true for Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns. Roberto Duran, the “Manos De Piedra” himself, completely failed in his attempt to best the man. Make no mistake about it, Wilfredo Benitez is a true legend in the sport of boxing. But now the fighter who once delighted millions is immobilized, missing his sister, the victim of multiple head shots. When Leonard went to visit him, Benitez could not remember his former friend and foe.
Gerald McClellan was a fighter himself. The man was hit so hard that when he faced Nigel Benn in 1995, an incredible 29 of his 31 wins were by knockout. McClellan was not one to easily touch on the victories of the likes of John Mugabe and Julian Jackson. Indeed, McClellan knocked Ben out of the ring in the first round. Benn, however, brutally knocked out McClellan in the 10th. McClellan would never recover from the war. Now living with his sister, McClellan is partially supported by the likes of Roy Jones, but it’s clear he still needs help.
In the year In 2015, Pritchard Colon posted a 16-0 record when he stepped between the ropes. When he faced undefeated Terrell Williams in 2015. Admittedly, this was a tough and strange fight. 9th round, assuming it is the end of the 10th and final round). Colon is in a permanent vegetative state (PVS) and is now being cared for by his mother.
What Benítez, McClellan and Colon have in common, apart from a permanent and major injury in their careers, is John Scull. The former light heavyweight turned broadcaster known as “Ice” spends a lot of time helping these and other veterans in need get the financial assistance they need to support themselves and their families.
“Basically, it’s very simple,” Scully says of his philanthropic approach. “I have a bunch of memorabilia that I’ve gotten on my own or from people who have mailed it to me and I put it on my Facebook and have people auction it off. Once it’s in the mail I can send the money to different people who need it at that time. Scully generally likes to connect with the people he helps, although that’s not always the case. .
“I have some guys that I see in person all the time and others that I can easily send money to,” he said. “I also often mention these boxers on social media just to remind people that they are out there and still need help.” These men entertained and inspired more than a few people in their time. It’s nice to see people go out of their way to return the favor.
