This fight took place in the World Combat Championship way back in 1995 and features boxer Jerry Bell against wrestler Phil Benedict in a classic style vs style fight. The tale of the tape states that Phil Benedict is also a powerlifting champion while Jerry Bell’s best weapon is his right hook.

Benedict has the much more imposing physique albeit he is much shorter. Jerry Bell on the other hand looks like your average guy and one who’s not in particularly good shape.

The action starts at the three minute and thirty second mark and they get right to it pretty quickly. From the first exchange you can already tell how this one is going to go. Jerry Bell throws a jab followed by a sloppy right hook with zero footwork or defensive skills to back him up.

When fighting a wrestler you have to stay on your toes and use your footwork to set up your strikes from the outside. Getting too close to a wrestler is never a good idea. Now on the other hand it is possible to freeze up and be too cautious and not throw any offense but you have to be smart.

They end up on the ground with Bell surprisingly on top but Benedict just pushes him off and gets top position. He gets the mount and from there transitions to the back mount, locks up the choke and it’s all over just like that.

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Jerry Bell looked awful in this match and I am skeptical of his boxing and athletic background. Fighting a wrestler is a usually a bad matchup for a boxer without any other skills. You have to use your footwork to stay on the outside and choose your striking opportunities wisely. The more skills you have in grappling will also give you more confidence to throw your hands and emerge the victor. Not this time though.