The Boxer
During a golden age of British middleweight fighters, Benn
will always be compared with, and remembered for his two bouts
against Chris Eubank. And just like with Eubank, Benn suffered
the tragedy of an opponent, Gerald McClellan, left with lifelong
injuries. It was due to the tragic events at at Eubank/Watson
and Benn/McClellan bouts, that ambulances and medical staff
were required ringside at UK fights. Benn's first defeat was
to Michael Watson, an opponent Eubank defeated. But, unlike
Eubank, Benn went to the US to win a world title, a feat which
is usually more challenging than winning a title on home soil.
There is still controversy over the result of the second Benn/Eubank
clash, which was scored 113-115 | 114-114 | 115-113, a draw.
Staged at Old Trafford, with an attendance of 42,000, it is
one of the biggest fights ever held in England. Though the
ultimate result was tragic, Benn victory over Gerald McClellan,
was against one of the top pound for pound fighters. Such
was the nature of that bout, most analysts believe it finished
Benn both physically and mentally. Like with Eubank, Benn
lost two fights against Steve Collins to end his career. Though
it could be said that Benn was more of a spent force than
Eubank against Collins. Benn was always the fans favourite,
an exciting edge of your seat fighter, furious puncher, a
man of huge heart and courage, he will always be a legend
of the ring.
Statistics
- Born - 22 / 01 / 1964
- Weight participated at - Middleweight, Super Middleweight
- Born - Ilford, England
- Nationality - British
- Stance - Orthodox
- Reach - n/a
- Height - 5 foot and 9 and a half inches
Boxing record
- Total fights - 48
- Losses - 5 = Watson, Eubank, Malinga, Collins, Collins
- Wins - 42
- Wins by Knock Out - 35
- Draws - 1
- No contests - 0
Noted bouts
Debut
- Date - 28 / 01 / 1987
- Against - Graeme Ahmed
- Held - Fairfield Hall, Croydon, London
- Result - Won
- Round - Second, Technical Knock Out
First world title
- Date - 29 / 04 / 1990
- Belt - WBO middleweight title
- Against - Doug DeWitt
- Held - Caesar's Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, New
Jersey
- Result - Won
- Round - Eighth, Technical Knock Out
First defeat
- Date - 18 / 11 / 1990
- Belt - WBO middleweight title
- Against - Chris Eubank
- Held - National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham
- Result - Lost
- Round - Nineth, Technical Knock Out
Recent News Headlines
- September, 2002 - Benn stars in ITV's 'I'm A Celebrity...Get
Me Out Of Here' TV programme. Second to be voted off.
- June, 2001 - Benn discusses his anguish over his addiction
to women, interview screened on BBC's Esther programme.
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