The WBO has shared concerning news regarding boxing legend Wilfred ‘El Radar’ Benitez. The 66-year-old former three-division world champion has reportedly been admitted to the intensive care unit. Benitez, a member of the Boxing Hall of Fame, ranks alongside iconic fighters such as ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns, and Roberto Durán as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Along with Felix ‘Tito’ Trinidad, Hector Camacho, and Miguel Cotto, many consider Benitez one of the greatest boxers to ever come from Puerto Rico.

Benitez’s illustrious boxing career, filled with some of the toughest and most thrilling bouts, ultimately took a heavy toll on his body. His health began to decline as early as 1986, but despite the warnings, Benitez continued to fight. He eventually retired, but the damage was already done. Medical complications, including diabetes and dementia pugilistica, worsened his condition.

A gradual decline in health

“🙏 Prayers for Wilfred “El Radar” Benítez 🙏,” read a heartfelt tweet from the WBO. They extended their support, offering prayers for the boxing legend. “On behalf of the WBO, we send our prayers and best wishes to Puerto Rican boxing legend Wilfred Benítez, currently in the ICU,” they wrote.

Following a bout in 1986, physicians advised Benitez to retire from the sport, but he continued to fight, often against journeymen in lesser-known locations. After his 1986 fight with Carlos Herrera, Benitez was out of the ring for nearly four years. He made a comeback in 1990, but his return was short-lived, culminating in a loss to Scott Papasodora in Canada.

Benitez then returned to Puerto Rico, where he lived with his mother and relied on a WBC pension. As his health showed no signs of improvement, a few years later, he was moved to a nursing home. After his mother passed away in 2008, his sister Yvonne Benitez became his primary caregiver.

The news has deeply saddened fans around the world, with many sending their prayers for Benitez’s recovery. Let’s take a look at the messages of support pouring in from all corners of the globe.

Stay strong, Wilfred Benítez—we’re with you!

Showing his support for the boxing legend, Mark Fairman shared a heartfelt message. “Get well soon, Champ, from us all at IWBO England 🥊🙏🥊🙏🥊🙏,” said the Director, Inter World Boxing Organization. From all over the world, fans are praying and wishing for Wilfred Benítez’s recovery.

A boxing enthusiast from Columbia said, “Strength, courage, and faith, a prayer 🙏.” Everyone should offer a heartfelt prayer, wishing Wilfred Benítez strength, courage, and faith during his time in the ICU.

As he faces challenges in the ICU, believing in the power of prayer, legend Gerald McClellan‘s sister, Lisa McClellan, urged everyone to keep Wilfred Benítez in their prayers. “Can we please keep Wilfred Benitez in our prayers?” He was moved to ICU yesterday. I know that prayer can change things,” she said in an Instagram post. Ms. McClellan and her sister collectively take care of their brother, who suffered severe brain damage following the 1995 title fight against Nigel Benn.

A follower responded back. They prayed not only for ‘El Radar’ Benitez but for his caring family members as well. “Prayers coming for Champ Wilfred Benitez, his loving caregiver/sister, and all his many loved ones,” said this follower. While the person suffering needs all the prayers and blessings, we shouldn’t forget what their loved ones—family and friends—go through.

Sharing their prayers, another boxing aficionado acknowledged Wilfred Benitez’s current battle in the ICU. Showing support for the boxing legend, they said, “Prayers for Wilfredo Benitez, currently in ICU. 🙏🏼🥊.”

Six years after a hurricane damaged his home, Benitez moved to Chicago with the help of his longtime sparring partner. Wilfred Benitez had a unique nickname—’Bible of Boxing’—and there was a reason behind it. He had mastered every aspect of the sport. While most boxers could excel in one or a few areas, no facet of the sweet science ever escaped the radar of ‘El Radar’.

Please join us in wishing a speedy recovery to boxing great Wilfred Benitez.