Known as "The Bull", Benton turned pro in 1981 and won the WBC and lineal cruiserweight titles with a decisionwin over Alfonso Ratliff in 1985. He was due to defend against David [Pearce |David Pearce] who had knocked him out in a previous amateur bout. Benton declined to fight Pearce and subsequently lost the belt in his first defense to Carlos [De León] via decision the following year. He retired in 1995.