Cover Throwback: Benny "The Jet" Urquidez and The Golden Era of Kickboxing
- justin320822
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
The 1976 throwback cover of a special Fighting Stars featured Benny “The Jet” Urquidez —a fitting tribute to one of the most electrifying athletes of his era.
Benny claimed the PKA lightweight championship in August 1976, marking the rise of a dynamic fighter whose blend of precision, speed, and charisma would make him an international star.
The mid-1970s are often remembered as a legendary era in American kickboxing, when a handful of pioneering fighters elevated the sport to global prominence.
Bill “Superfoot” Wallace remained undefeated throughout his kickboxing career, defending his PKA middleweight world title multiple times in 1976 — including championship victories in March, May, and October.
Jeff Smith, the reigning PKA light heavyweight world champion, successfully defended his title that same year in a highly anticipated rematch against Wally Slocki, rekindling their famous 1974 clash.
Teddy Limoz captured the PKA heavyweight title on August 28, 1976, defeating Mike Arroyo to cement his place among the sport’s elite.
Jimmy Johnson, the first Westerner to hold Japan’s heavyweight kickboxing title, continued to dominate his division through 1976, bridging Eastern and Western fighting traditions.
