Benichou, Fabrice

Benichou was the IBF world junior featherweight champion from March 1989 until March 1990. Born in Spain, Fabrice fought as a Frenchman during his career.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. April 4, 1965

Career Highlights:
In 1984, Benichou fought for the French amateur bantamweight title, but lost on points to Raymond Armand. Later that year, he turned professional and fought three bouts, winning two and losing one (all on decisions). In 1985, he registered his first knockout in a November fight against Humberto Moreno. By 1987, Benichou was the No. 4 bantamweight in the world, having won 16 of his 21 career fights. On January 30, 1988, he got his first title shot and made the most of it, knocking out Thierry Jacob in the third round to win the European bantamweight crown. Three months later, in his first title defense, Benichou was knocked out in the third round by Vincenzo Belcastro, and lost the belt.

Benichou then moved up in weight to the junior featherweight division and quickly received a title shot at the IBF belt. Fabrice was injured in the tenth round, and lost his September 1988 fight against Jose Sanabria. He recovered quickly enough to win the rematch on March 10, 1989 to capture the IBF world junior featherweight title. Benichou held the title exactly one year to the day before losing it to Welcome Ncita, on a decision, in a 12-round bout that was held in Tel Aviv. A few months later, he got another shot at a world junior featherweight belt, but it was the WBA's version. In October, he faced champ Luis Mendoza and lost a 12-round decision.

Benichou moved up in weight again, this time to the featherweight division -- and in May of 1991, he defeated John Davidson in a 12-round decision for the European featherweight title. Fabrice retained that title, with 3 successful defenses, until December 1992, when he lost a 12-round decision to Maurizio Stecca. While he held the European title, Benichou had title fights for the IBF featherweight title (a loss in March 1992), and the WBC featherweight crown (a loss in September 1992).

Benichou continued to fight, but lost a bout to Arlindo De Abreu for the French Featherweight title in April 1995. The next month, Benichou announced his retirement. In February 1996, however, he attempted a comeback. He did not lose in his next 8 fights, and on January 31, 1998, he fought Spencer Oliver for the European junior featherweight championship. Benichou lost on a 4th-round technical knockout and, once again, announced his retirement immediately following the bout. He has not fought since.

Origin:
Madrid, Spain

Physical description:
5'3"

Career Statistics:
Professional record:
Wins: 45 (23 by knockout)
Losses: 17
Draws: 2

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