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Benn, Nigel

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. Just as with Eubank, Benn suffered the tragedy of an opponent, Gerald McClellan, being with lifelong injuries. It was due to the tragic events 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 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.

Although the ultimate result was tragic, Benn's 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.

Just as with Eubank, Benn lost two fights against Steve Collins to end his career. Benn was always a fans favourite, an exciting edge of your seat fighter, a 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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