RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Wilfred Benitez, a world-renowned boxer and a native of Puerto Rico, has made the City of Chicago his newly adopted home; and
WHEREAS, The youngest world champion in the sport's history, Wilfred Benitez won 53 of his 62 fights by knock out; and
WHEREAS, Nicknamed "El Radar," for his precise ability to land a powerful blow, Wilfred 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, a friend of Wilfred Benitez, has called him one of the greatest boxers of all-time; and
WHEREAS, In recognition of his illustrious and storied career, Wilfred Benitez was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994; and
WHEREAS, Despite his overwhelming success, Wilfred Benitez has suffered degenerative brain damage due to the grueling nature of the sport; and
WHEREAS, In the years following his retirement from the ring, Wilfred Benitez's health dramatically declined from "boxer's dementia," a condition caused by repeated trauma; and
WHEREAS, In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, Wilfred Benitez, suffering from greatly reduced motor skills, was relocated to Chicago under the leadership of his good friend, fellow boxer Luis Mateo; and
WHEREAS, A bed-ridden Wilfred Benitez arrived in Chicago on June 1, 2018 and spent his first week at Norwegian American Hospital in the Humboldt Park neighborhood and is now being cared for by his sister at a Northwest Side apartment; and
WHEREAS, Due to the improved care and the love and support of his family and friends, Wilfred Benitez has regained limited movement; and
WHEREAS, Chicago's Puerto Rican community has steadfastly supported Wilfred Benitez while his friend Luis Mateo continues to lead efforts seeking assistance and medical help for him and his family; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this 24th day of July, 2019, do hereby honor Wilfred Benitez as an icon of the Puerto Rican community and do hereby officially welcome him to the City of Chicago; and r. 40
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That in celebration of his birthday, September 12, 2^p,;sh'aN be recognized as Wilfred Benitez Day throughout the City of Chicago; and 0r~ —j
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Wilfred Benltez.
Alderman Roberto Maldonado - 26th Ward
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