Nigel Gregory Benn (born 22 January 1964) is a British professional boxer who competed from 1987 to 1996 and 2019. He held world championships in two weight classes, including the WBO middleweight title in 1990, and the WBC super-middleweight title from 1992 to 1996. Regionally he held the Commonwealth middleweight title from 1988 to 1989. Nicknamed "The Dark Destroyer" for his formidable punching power and aggressive fighting style, he retired with an 83.3% knockout-to-win ratio and is ranked by BoxRec as the fourth best British super-middleweight boxer of all time.
Early years and amateur career
Benn was born in Ilford, London, on 22 January 1964 to parents from Barbados, the sixth of seven brothers.[1] He attended Loxford School of Science and Technology. Benn served for four and a half years in the British Army as an infantryman with the 1st Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.[2] He was stationed in West Germany for three years, then Northern Ireland during the Troubles for eighteen months (Royal Fusiliers later made appearances in regimental uniform at certain Benn fights in homage to their fellow comrade-in-arms.) Benn had a record of 41 wins and 1 loss as an amateur boxer, with the loss being against Rod Douglas, whom Benn later defeated.
Amateur accomplishments
Amateur boxing: 41 wins, 1 loss (avenged.)
Undefeated Welterweight for the First Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers between 1982 and 1984 – won titles all the way up to heavyweight and trained others in his regiment's boxing team
1986 ABA Middleweight Champion, avenging a previous loss to Rod Douglas.
Professional career
Benn turned professional in 1987 and began a streak of consecutive knockout wins. This ensured a rapid rise through the professional ranks and during this time, Benn won the vacant Commonwealth middleweight title with a second round win over Abdul Umaru, at Alexandra Pavilion on April 20th 1988.
At 22-0 (22 KOs), Benn defended his Commonwealth title against Michael Watson in a heavily hyped bout in May 1989 at Finsbury Park, London. The fight even appeared on national television in the US. Throwing virtually nothing but hooks, Benn repeatedly failed to get through Watson's tight guard, and gradually tired whilst being stunned numerous times himself.
In the sixth round, Watson knocked Benn down with a jab and Benn was counted out as he rose to his feet, albeit by a somewhat hasty referee's count.
His next fight, against Jorge Amparo in Atlantic City, U.S., was his first fight abroad and also the first to last the full distance, with Benn winning a 10-round decision.
WBO middleweight champion
Main article: Nigel Benn vs. Chris Eubank
After two more wins, against Sanderline Williams and Jose Quinones, Benn fought WBO middleweight title holder Doug DeWitt of the USA in Atlantic City. Benn was knocked down in round two, but came back to knock DeWitt down in round three, then score three knockdowns in round eight to win the title.
His first defence came in August 1990 against former WBC champion Iran Barkley, whom he floored three times and stopped on the three-knockdown rule at the end of the first round. Benn returned to the UK and met British rival Chris Eubank. They fought in Birmingham on 18 November 1990. Benn lost his title to Eubank when the referee stopped the fight in the ninth round.
WBC super-middleweight champion
Benn then went on a winning streak of six fights leading up to another world title challenge. In 1991, he beat Marvin Hagler's half brother, Robbie Sims, by a knockout in round seven, followed by a close, disputed decision win against Thulani Malinga, and a one-punch KO victory against Dan Sherry.
On 10 October 1992, Benn challenged Mauro Galvano for the WBC super-middleweight title in Palaghiaccio de Marino, Marino, Lazio, Italy. After a controversial dispute at ringside over the official result after Galvano was unable to continue due to a severe cut, Benn was declared the winner and won the title by a fourth-round TKO.
Main article: Nigel Benn vs. Chris Eubank
While still a dangerous, and damaging puncher, Benn's move to the higher weight limit saw him refine his fight strategy and adopt a more considered approach. The aggression remained but he relied less on one punch knockout power and became a more effective, and adaptable fighter. He defended his title against fellow Britons Nicky Piper and Lou Gent, and a rematch victory over Mauro Galvano, before again boxing great rival Chris Eubank, who was now WBO super-middleweight champion, in a unification bout on 9 October 1993. In a closely fought contest they boxed to a disputed draw, with both fighters retaining their respective titles. Benn successfully defended his title twice more in 1994 with unanimous decisions against fellow Briton Henry Wharton and Juan Carlos Giminez
Benn vs McClellan
Main article: Nigel Benn vs. Gerald McClellan
In February 1995, Benn defended his 168 lb title against WBC middleweight champion Gerald McClellan in a highly anticipated bout billed as "Sudden Impact". Most American experts gave Benn little chance against the hard punching challenger. In an epic, thrilling fight Benn was knocked through the ropes in the first round but fought his way back into the contest which developed into a brutal war. Benn was knocked down again in the eighth round, but an exhausted and drained McClellan was unable to follow up and Benn rallied to stop McClellan in the tenth round. At the time of the stoppage, two judges had McClellan ahead and one had the fight even.
McClellan was severely injured as a result of the fight. After collapsing in his corner after the fight had finished, McClellan was rushed to hospital where it was discovered he had developed a blood clot on the brain. To this day McClellan is almost completely blind and uses a wheelchair, although he has regained some movement and can walk with a cane. In 2007, McClellan, his wife and children attended a benefit dinner organised and hosted by Benn to help McClellan with his ongoing medical expenses.
Two more defences followed against future WBC title-holder Vincenzo Nardiello and American Danny Perez, before Benn lost his title with an uncharacteristically lacklustre performance to old rival Malinga in 1996.
Benn twice attempted to take the WBO super-middleweight title from Steve Collins but failed in both attempts: losing by TKO in four in the first fight after sustaining an ankle injury. He retired following the second loss to Collins in 1996, retiring on his stool at the end of the sixth-round.
Life after boxing
After his professional boxing career, Benn became an internationally recognised DJ. He later appeared in the first series of the ITV reality TV show I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!.
Benn has since developed a strong faith and is a born again Christian. Benn now lives with his family in Sydney, Australia, where he has been studying theology, sports coaching and sports development. He is still active in the international boxing scene mentoring, developing and training both amateur and professional boxers in Australia.
Benn was entered into the World Boxing Council (WBC) Boxing Hall of Fame in 2013 and was honoured alongside fellow Brit Joe Calzaghe as the WBC's greatest super middleweight champion in history. His image is now enshrined upon the sixth generation WBC super middleweight belt.[3][4]
Benn works with youth at risk in Blacktown, NSW[5] and is dedicated to his charity work. He is an ambassador to the New South Wales Police Citizens Youth Club's (PCYC)[6] and is an advocate for healthy living.[3]
Benn ran the 2013 City to Surf to raise funds for the most underfunded PCYC gym in Redfern, Sydney[7] and has undertaken many fund raisers for the charity since improving the boxing facilities in the most impoverished areas of Sydney. Benn regularly assists Christian groups, counselling individuals suffering from addiction[8] and along with wife Carolyne counsels couples who are facing marriage issues.
Benn is also a Patron of the Shannon Bradshaw Trust, a UK children's charity based in the North West of England, helping children with life-threatening conditions and their families.
Benn's autobiography, published in 2001, is called Dark Destroyer.
One of Benn's sons, Conor Benn, turned professional in 2016 and is currently fighting at light-welterweight. Another son, Harley, has also turned professional with a debut at middleweight set for November 2016.[9]
As of 24th of September 2019, Nigel has announced his return to the world of boxing and his career will recommence on the 23rd of November 2019. There is some speculation that his first fight will be against Sakio Bika on his return
Early years and amateur career
Benn was born in Ilford, London, on 22 January 1964 to parents from Barbados, the sixth of seven brothers.[1] He attended Loxford School of Science and Technology. Benn served for four and a half years in the British Army as an infantryman with the 1st Battalion, Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.[2] He was stationed in West Germany for three years, then Northern Ireland during the Troubles for eighteen months (Royal Fusiliers later made appearances in regimental uniform at certain Benn fights in homage to their fellow comrade-in-arms.) Benn had a record of 41 wins and 1 loss as an amateur boxer, with the loss being against Rod Douglas, whom Benn later defeated.
Amateur accomplishments
Amateur boxing: 41 wins, 1 loss (avenged.)
Undefeated Welterweight for the First Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers between 1982 and 1984 – won titles all the way up to heavyweight and trained others in his regiment's boxing team
1986 ABA Middleweight Champion, avenging a previous loss to Rod Douglas.
Professional career
Benn turned professional in 1987 and began a streak of consecutive knockout wins. This ensured a rapid rise through the professional ranks and during this time, Benn won the vacant Commonwealth middleweight title with a second round win over Abdul Umaru, at Alexandra Pavilion on April 20th 1988.
At 22-0 (22 KOs), Benn defended his Commonwealth title against Michael Watson in a heavily hyped bout in May 1989 at Finsbury Park, London. The fight even appeared on national television in the US. Throwing virtually nothing but hooks, Benn repeatedly failed to get through Watson's tight guard, and gradually tired whilst being stunned numerous times himself.
In the sixth round, Watson knocked Benn down with a jab and Benn was counted out as he rose to his feet, albeit by a somewhat hasty referee's count.
His next fight, against Jorge Amparo in Atlantic City, U.S., was his first fight abroad and also the first to last the full distance, with Benn winning a 10-round decision.
WBO middleweight champion
Main article: Nigel Benn vs. Chris Eubank
After two more wins, against Sanderline Williams and Jose Quinones, Benn fought WBO middleweight title holder Doug DeWitt of the USA in Atlantic City. Benn was knocked down in round two, but came back to knock DeWitt down in round three, then score three knockdowns in round eight to win the title.
His first defence came in August 1990 against former WBC champion Iran Barkley, whom he floored three times and stopped on the three-knockdown rule at the end of the first round. Benn returned to the UK and met British rival Chris Eubank. They fought in Birmingham on 18 November 1990. Benn lost his title to Eubank when the referee stopped the fight in the ninth round.
WBC super-middleweight champion
Benn then went on a winning streak of six fights leading up to another world title challenge. In 1991, he beat Marvin Hagler's half brother, Robbie Sims, by a knockout in round seven, followed by a close, disputed decision win against Thulani Malinga, and a one-punch KO victory against Dan Sherry.
On 10 October 1992, Benn challenged Mauro Galvano for the WBC super-middleweight title in Palaghiaccio de Marino, Marino, Lazio, Italy. After a controversial dispute at ringside over the official result after Galvano was unable to continue due to a severe cut, Benn was declared the winner and won the title by a fourth-round TKO.
Main article: Nigel Benn vs. Chris Eubank
While still a dangerous, and damaging puncher, Benn's move to the higher weight limit saw him refine his fight strategy and adopt a more considered approach. The aggression remained but he relied less on one punch knockout power and became a more effective, and adaptable fighter. He defended his title against fellow Britons Nicky Piper and Lou Gent, and a rematch victory over Mauro Galvano, before again boxing great rival Chris Eubank, who was now WBO super-middleweight champion, in a unification bout on 9 October 1993. In a closely fought contest they boxed to a disputed draw, with both fighters retaining their respective titles. Benn successfully defended his title twice more in 1994 with unanimous decisions against fellow Briton Henry Wharton and Juan Carlos Giminez
Benn vs McClellan
Main article: Nigel Benn vs. Gerald McClellan
In February 1995, Benn defended his 168 lb title against WBC middleweight champion Gerald McClellan in a highly anticipated bout billed as "Sudden Impact". Most American experts gave Benn little chance against the hard punching challenger. In an epic, thrilling fight Benn was knocked through the ropes in the first round but fought his way back into the contest which developed into a brutal war. Benn was knocked down again in the eighth round, but an exhausted and drained McClellan was unable to follow up and Benn rallied to stop McClellan in the tenth round. At the time of the stoppage, two judges had McClellan ahead and one had the fight even.
McClellan was severely injured as a result of the fight. After collapsing in his corner after the fight had finished, McClellan was rushed to hospital where it was discovered he had developed a blood clot on the brain. To this day McClellan is almost completely blind and uses a wheelchair, although he has regained some movement and can walk with a cane. In 2007, McClellan, his wife and children attended a benefit dinner organised and hosted by Benn to help McClellan with his ongoing medical expenses.
Two more defences followed against future WBC title-holder Vincenzo Nardiello and American Danny Perez, before Benn lost his title with an uncharacteristically lacklustre performance to old rival Malinga in 1996.
Benn twice attempted to take the WBO super-middleweight title from Steve Collins but failed in both attempts: losing by TKO in four in the first fight after sustaining an ankle injury. He retired following the second loss to Collins in 1996, retiring on his stool at the end of the sixth-round.
Life after boxing
After his professional boxing career, Benn became an internationally recognised DJ. He later appeared in the first series of the ITV reality TV show I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!.
Benn has since developed a strong faith and is a born again Christian. Benn now lives with his family in Sydney, Australia, where he has been studying theology, sports coaching and sports development. He is still active in the international boxing scene mentoring, developing and training both amateur and professional boxers in Australia.
Benn was entered into the World Boxing Council (WBC) Boxing Hall of Fame in 2013 and was honoured alongside fellow Brit Joe Calzaghe as the WBC's greatest super middleweight champion in history. His image is now enshrined upon the sixth generation WBC super middleweight belt.[3][4]
Benn works with youth at risk in Blacktown, NSW[5] and is dedicated to his charity work. He is an ambassador to the New South Wales Police Citizens Youth Club's (PCYC)[6] and is an advocate for healthy living.[3]
Benn ran the 2013 City to Surf to raise funds for the most underfunded PCYC gym in Redfern, Sydney[7] and has undertaken many fund raisers for the charity since improving the boxing facilities in the most impoverished areas of Sydney. Benn regularly assists Christian groups, counselling individuals suffering from addiction[8] and along with wife Carolyne counsels couples who are facing marriage issues.
Benn is also a Patron of the Shannon Bradshaw Trust, a UK children's charity based in the North West of England, helping children with life-threatening conditions and their families.
Benn's autobiography, published in 2001, is called Dark Destroyer.
One of Benn's sons, Conor Benn, turned professional in 2016 and is currently fighting at light-welterweight. Another son, Harley, has also turned professional with a debut at middleweight set for November 2016.[9]
As of 24th of September 2019, Nigel has announced his return to the world of boxing and his career will recommence on the 23rd of November 2019. There is some speculation that his first fight will be against Sakio Bika on his return
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