Jimmy Boots vs Benny Bob 1978

A Legendary Dogfight Under Cajun Rules (Willie Brown vs Dale Brandstrom | Males 52 vs 53 | Cajun Rules | Ref Bill Petsie)

Introduction This remarkable bout features an epic showdown between two well-known dogs—Jimmy Boots and Benny Bob—in a match that has become legendary among enthusiasts. With key figures such as Willie Brown and Dale Brandstrom handling the action under Cajun Rules and Referee Bill Petsie overseeing the contest, every minute of the fight tells a story. The event also showcases teams arriving from Texas and Utah, intensifying an atmosphere charged with anticipation as supporters and handlers alike prepare for a historic match.

Pre-Fight Arrival and Weigh-In The Texans had arrived the night before by plane. Notable handlers in attendance included Willie Brown, Halliburton, Carver, and Hall, joined by Freddie Jones and Indian Sonny. Fans from Utah brought their entire families—Mr. G even has about ten kids of his own, it is said—while Ed Weldon from Colorado helped round out the total of 20 men per side.

Benny Bob was weighed at 53 lbs, washed, and entered the pit after the toss of a quarter. Meanwhile, Brown waited in the pit as “The Man from Utah,” Mr. G, brought in Jimmy Boots. During the weigh-in, Jimmy Boots was found to be over the target weight of 52 lbs by a mere 2 oz – clearly over the limit. Texas immediately decided to claim the forfeit, but Mr. G from Utah replied, “I still have 13 minutes before pit time to make the weight.” He hurried into the house, and upon his return—as reported—it was heard that he led the dog to a tree and wiped the wet sand and mud from his dog’s feet and tail. Finally, Jimmy Boots was reweighed, coming in on weight. “Good going, Mr. G,” Halliburton commented.

Match Commencement and Early Action The fight was on. Once Jimmy Boots was washed and entered the pit, the cry went out: “Pit Your Dogs!” Bets by the hundreds were called and accepted by both sides of the pit.

These two dogs were among the most evenly matched ever seen. For the first 35 minutes, they swapped stifles, shoulder holds, rolled, bit noses, and literally “ShipWrecked” each other, according to Mr. Carver. Encouragement from both sides kept the intensity high as the scratching began after a turn was called while both dogs rolled after one another. Jimmy Boots scratched and handled his turns, while the fight continued with each dog taking turns being on top and then on the bottom.

Many observed that Jimmy Boots was the harder biter, yet Benny Bob seemed relentless in reaching in—no matter what hold Jimmy Boots took. The scratching exchanged rapidly; the exact number of times was not recorded, but there was no doubt about the determination of both animals.

Battle Progress and Turning Points Approximately one hour and fifteen minutes into the fight, Jimmy Boots began to lose the use of his back legs due to the crushing stifle holds. Then, on a scratch by Benny Bob, Jimmy Boots’ legs collapsed, allowing Benny Bob to gain the upper hand and cramp him into a corner. At this point, the dogs moved to mouth fighting with hard biting continuing. Benny Bob even lost a top cutter when Jimmy Boots came in from the bottom, suggesting that Texas might be ahead.

Only Willie Brown could make a decisive handle when his dog was on top, keeping both dogs bunched in the corner. As time passed, both handlers congratulated each other on the tremendous dogs they had shown. At one hour and thirty minutes, with “the handle” being called and The Man from Utah noting the dogs were free of holds, Brown picked up from the top. A leg dangled in front of Jimmy Boots; he went after it and grabbed hold. Brown then let go once more, allowing Jimmy Boots to break free of the corner and get back on top of Benny Bob. The sequence of moves continued with a series of handles, scratches by Utah, fighting exchanges, another handle, and a scratch by Texas.

At one hour and forty minutes in, Jimmy Boots took the top position again. Someone from Texas remarked, “That Man From Utah can sure put one up!” The excitement peaked when Mr. Greenwood instructed, “Shake the Bear,” prompting Jimmy Boots to shake. Meanwhile, Benny Bob—no longer held by his previous holds—started taking a nibble in the rib cage every time Jimmy Boots shook his shoulder. However, Benny Bob was completely exhausted and critically hurt. Many believed that Benny Bob could no longer make his scratch.

Then, both dogs mounted up on their feet in their holds and continued fighting. More handles were exchanged; at one point, it was noted that “Benny Bob should never be able to go.” In a dramatic moment, Benny Bob went over, and Jimmy Boots crossed—biting in with a fire in his eyes and using every bit of energy he had left. Though Texas went again despite weakness on his feet, Jimmy Boots scratched while Benny Bob lunged from the corner but lost momentum halfway over. Ultimately, Benny Bob was counted out on a 20‑second count.

Match Conclusion It was over. Ed Weldon, with Jimmy Boots and The Man from Utah, was declared the winner after an intense battle lasting two hours and five minutes.

Final Thoughts This match between Jimmy Boots and Benny Bob remains a classic encounter steeped in tradition and fierce competition. Under the watchful eyes of legends like Willie Brown and Dale Brandstrom, and with the strict adherence to Cajun Rules, every moment—from the nerve‐wracking weigh-in to the final 20‑second count—demonstrates the raw passion and relentless determination of these magnificent competitors.

This detailed recount of the event serves as a valuable piece of history for dogfight enthusiasts and those interested in legendary matchups. The extraordinary bouts, top-notch handling, and remarkable resilience of both dogs make “Jimmy Boots vs Benny Bob” a must-read saga in the world of competitive dogfighting.

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