Light heavyweight Dante Benjamin Jnr knows what it means to fight, both inside the ring and out. Life hasn’t pulled its punches, but the 22-year-Cleveland native Benjamin has learned to absorb the hard hits and steady himself in the face of adversity.
Benjamin enters Wednesday Night Fights’ six-round bout against Aaron Casper on ProBox TV at the ProBox TV Events Center in Plant City, Florida, with much to prove.
After a notable 2023—his busiest year yet—during which he fought five times, including a draw with William Langston just 27 days after a first-round knockout of Mirady Zola, Benjamin has only fought once in 2024. Adding to the frustration, he parted ways with his original promoter, Top Rank Inc., last year.
“It’s been a tough year,” Benjamin said. “I kind of got a chip on my shoulder because I feel like I should’ve fought more. Last year, with the five fights I had, I was in a lot of talks as a top prospect, but this year, it’s like things quieted down since I haven’t fought much.”
Despite the slowdown, Benjamin, 9-0-1 (7 KOs), remains focused. In July, he stopped Oscar Riojas in the second round, showcasing the power he attributes to his late father, Dante Benjamin Snr.
“I think my power is God-gifted,” Benjamin said. “But my dad, before he passed away, was my strength and conditioning coach. He worked with me on getting stronger, and that foundation stayed with me.”
Benjamin lost his father in March 2021, a moment that shaped both his personal life and boxing career.
“He was my best friend. Even though he was on dialysis from the time I was eight, he made sure I got to the gym every day. Boxing was our bond,” Benjamin said. “Growing up from the time I was born until I was 18 years old, I had my dad in my corner pushing me.
“He was always there if I wanted to be lazy or needed an extra push to get through a workout. After he passed away, it was hard at first, but I started carrying my feelings about him with me. I know he would want me to work harder and push harder.”
Benjamin reflected on their bond, describing his father as both his mentor and his closest friend.
For this training camp, Benjamin sparred Philadelphia’s Atif Oberlton to prepare for Casper, 7-7-2 (5 KOs). The 35-year-old from Augusta, Georgia, Casper enters the six-round bout on a three-fight losing streak but has remained active, fighting twice in 2024.
Benjamin hopes this fight will mark a turning point in a challenging year.
“I expect a really good performance. I’ve had a great camp. I just want to prove to myself and others that I belong here.”
When does he believe he’ll do that?
“By the end of next year.”
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