Funeral services set for George Benton

The funeral for Mr. George Benton will take place on Monday at Christlike PG Faith Baptist Chrurch at 2901 N. 25th Street in North Philadelphia. A one-hour viewing will begin at 9 am, followed by an hour long memorial at 11 am. There is a strict "no pants rule" for women, as all women must wear a skirt or dress for admittance.

A legendary Philadelphia boxer and trainger, Mr. Benton died from pneumonia early Monday morning at St. Joseph's Hospital. He was 78.

As a middleweight, Mr. Benton compiled a 62-13-1 record, with 37 knockouts, over a 21-year career that was highlighted by victories over future world champions Jimmy Ellis, Freddie Little, and Joey Giardello.

After his in-ring career, he went on to train some of the sport's top combatants, including Philadelphia's Bennie Briscoe and Joe Frazier as well as Evander Holyfield, Leon Spinks and Pernell Whitaker.