RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Wilfredo Benitez, a world-renowned boxer and a native of Puerto Rico, will be honored at the Puerto Rican People's Day Parade on June 11, 2022; and
WHEREAS, The youngest world champion in the sport's history, Wilfredo Benitez won 53 of his 62 fights by knock out; and
WHEREAS, Nicknamed "El Radar," for his precise ability to land a powerful blow, Wilfredo Benitez sparred off during his remarkable career against boxing greats such as Roberto Duran, Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard; and
WHEREAS, Even the legendary Mohammed Ali called him one of the greatest boxers of all-time; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his illustrious and storied career, Wilfredo Benitez was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994; and
WHEREAS, Despite his overwhelming success, Wilfredo Benitez has suffered degenerative brain damage due to the grueling nature ofthe sport; and
WHEREAS, In the years following his retirement from the ring, Wilfredo Benitez developed boxer's dementia," a condition caused by repeated head trauma; and
WHEREAS, In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Wilfredo Benitez, challenged with greatly reduced motor skills, was relocated to Chicago under the guidance of his good friend, fellow boxer Luis Mateo; and
WHEREAS, Wilfredo Benitez arrived in Humboldt Park in Chicago in 2018 and spent his first week at what was then known as Norwegian American Hospital, and was later cared for by his sister; and
WHEREAS, Due to the improved care and the love and support of his friends and family, Wilfredo Benitez has regained limited movement; and
WHEREAS, Chicago's Puerto Rican community has embraced Wilfredo Benitez and is proud to celebrate their very own international boxing star; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members ofthe Chicago City Council, do hereby officially honor this legendary boxer and icon ofthe Puerto Rican community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That June 11, 2022, shall be recognized as Wilfredo Benit...
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