Nigel Benn

Nigel Benn
Statistics
Real name	Nigel Gregory Benn
Nickname(s)	The Dark Destroyer
Rated at	Middleweight Super-middleweight
Height	5 ft 9 ^1⁄2 in (177 cm)
Reach	73 in (185 cm)
Nationality	British
Born	22 January 1964 Ilford, Greater London, England
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	48
Wins	42
Wins by KO	35
Losses	5
Draws	1

Nigel Gregory Benn (born 22 January 1964) is a British former professional boxer who competed from 1987 to 1996. Nicknamed "The Dark Destroyer" for his formidable punching power and aggressive fighting style, Benn won the WBO middleweight title in 1990; the WBC super-middleweight title in 1992; and the Commonwealth middleweight title in 1988. He is ranked by BoxRec as the fourth best British super-middleweight boxer of all time.

Background

Benn was born to parents from Barbados, the sixth of seven brothers.^[1] He attended Loxford School of Science and Technology, Ilford, Greater London. Benn served for four and a half years in the British Army as an infantryman in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers^[2] and was stationed in Germany for three years, then Northern Ireland during the Troubles for 18 months. Benn comes from a sporting family that includes a famous cousin in the football world, Paul Ince, who would often accompany Benn to the ring for his UK fights. 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.

Professional boxing 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 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

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.

See also Benn vs Eubank

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.

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

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 retirement

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.^[7]

Benn ran the 2013 City to Surf to raise funds for the most underfunded PCYC gym in Redfern, Sydney^[8] 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^[9] and along with wife Carolyne counsel 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.^[10]

Professional boxing record

Professional record summary
48 fights	42 wins	5 losses
By knockout	35	4
By decision	7	1
Draws	1

No.	Result	Record	Opponent	Type	Round, time	Date	Location	Notes
48	Loss	42–5–1	Steve Collins	RTD	6 (12), 3:00	9 Nov 1996	NYNEX Arena, Manchester, England	For WBO super-middleweight title
47	Loss	42–4–1	Steve Collins	TKO	4 (12), 2:44	6 Jul 1996	NYNEX Arena, Manchester, England	For WBO super-middleweight title
46	Loss	42–3–1	Thulani Malinga	SD	12	2 Mar 1996	Telewest Arena, Newcastle, England	Lost WBC super-middleweight title
45	Win	42–2–1	Danny Perez	TKO	7 (12), 2:33	2 Sep 1995	Wembley Stadium, London, England	Retained WBC super-middleweight title
44	Win	41–2–1	Vincenzo Nardiello	TKO	8 (12), 1:43	22 Jul 1995	London Arena, London, England	Retained WBC super-middleweight title
43	Win	40–2–1	Gerald McClellan	KO	10 (12), 1:46	25 Feb 1995	London Arena, London, England	Retained WBC super-middleweight title
42	Win	39–2–1	Juan Carlos Giménez Ferreyra	UD	12	10 Sep 1994	National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, England	Retained WBC super-middleweight title
41	Win	38–2–1	Henry Wharton	UD	12	26 Feb 1994	Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London, England	Retained WBC super-middleweight title
40	Draw	37–2–1	Chris Eubank	SD	12	9 Oct 1993	Old Trafford, Manchester, England	Retained WBC super-middleweight title; For WBO super-middleweight title
39	Win	37–2	Lou Gent	TKO	4 (12), 0:35	26 Jun 1993	Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London, England	Retained WBC super-middleweight title
38	win	36–2	Mauro Galvano	UD	12	6 Mar 1993	Exhibition and Conference Centre, Glasgow, Scotland	Retained WBC super-middleweight title
37	Win	35–2	Nicky Piper	TKO	11 (12), 1:44	12 Dec 1992	Alexandra Pavilion, London, England	Retained WBC super-middleweight title
36	Win	34–2	Mauro Galvano	TKO	4 (12)	3 Oct 1992	Palaghiaccio, Marino, Italy	Won WBC super-middleweight title
35	Win	33–2	Thulani Malinga	PTS	10	23 May 1992	National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, England
34	Win	32–2	Dan Sherry	KO	3 (10), 2:34	19 Feb 1992	Alexandra Pavilion, London, England
33	win	31–2	Hector Abel Lescano	KO	3 (10), 2:35	7 Dec 1991	G-Mex Centre, Manchester, England
32	Win	30–2	Lenzie Morgan	UD	10	26 Oct 1991	Leisure Centre, Brentwood, England
31	Win	29–2	Kid Milo	TKO	4 (10)	3 Jul 1991	International Centre, Brentwood, England
30	Win	28–2	Robbie Sims	TKO	7 (10)	3 Apr 1991	York Hall, London, England
29	Loss	27–2	Chris Eubank	TKO	9 (12), 2:56	18 Nov 1990	National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, England	Lost WBO middleweight title
28	Win	27–1	Iran Barkley	TKO	1 (12), 2:57	18 Aug 1990	Bally's Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, US	Retained WBO middleweight title
27	Win	26–1	Doug DeWitt	TKO	8 (12), 0:44	29 Apr 1990	Caesar's, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US	Won WBO middleweight title
26	Win	25–1	Sanderline Williams	SD	10	14 Jan 1990	Caesar's, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
25	Win	24–1	Jose Quinones	TKO	1 (10), 2:51	1 Dec 1989	Hacienda Resort Hotel and Casino, Paradise, Nevada, US
24	Win	23–1	Jorge Amparo	UD	10	20 Oct 1989	Resorts International, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
23	Loss	22–1	Michael Watson	TKO	6 (12), 1:34	21 May 1989	Majestic Ballroom, London, England	Lost Commonwealth middleweight title
22	Win	22–0	Mbayo Wa Mbayo	KO	2 (10), 2:20	28 Mar 1989	Kelvin Hall, Glasgow, Scotland
21	Win	21–0	Michael Chilambe	KO	1 (12), 1:07	8 Feb 1989	Royal Albert Hall, London, England	Retained Commonwealth middleweight title
20	Win	20–0	David Noel	TKO	1 (12), 2:04	10 Dec 1988	Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, London, England	Retained Commonwealth middleweight title
19	Win	19–0	Anthony Logan	KO	2 (12), 1:15	26 Oct 1988	Royal Albert Hall, London, England	Retained Commonwealth middleweight title
18	win	18–0	Tim Williams	TKO	2 (10), 0:59	28 May 1988	Royal Albert Hall, London, England
17	Win	17–0	Abdul Umaru Sanda	TKO	2 (12)	20 Apr 1988	Alexandra Pavilion, London, England	Won vacant Commonwealth middleweight title
16	Win	16–0	Darren Hobson	KO	1 (8), 1:49	13 Apr 1988	Norwich Lads Boxing Club, Norwich, England
15	Win	15–0	Greg Taylor	TKO	2 (8)	24 Feb 1988	Afan Lido F.C., Port Talbot, Wales
14	Win	14–0	Byron Prince	TKO	2 (8)	7 Feb 1988	Bingley Hall, Stafford, England
13	Win	13–0	Fermin Chirino	KO	2 (8)	27 Jan 1988	York Hall, London, England
12	Win	12–0	Reggie Miller	TKO	7 (10), 1:08	2 Dec 1987	Wembley Stadium Grand Hall, London, England
11	Win	11–0	Ian Chantler	KO	1 (8), 0:16	24 Nov 1987	The Hudson, Wisbech, England
10	Win	10–0	Ronnie Yoe	TKO	1 (8)	3 Nov 1987	Crowtree Leisure Centre, Sunderland, England
9	Win	9–0	Russell Barker	TKO	1 (6), 1:15	13 Oct 1987	Blazers Nightclub, Windsor, England
8	Win	8–0	Winston Burnett	KO	3 (6), 1:55	16 Sep 1987	Royal Albert Hall, London, England
7	Win	7–0	Eddie Smith	KO	2 (8), 1:08	8 Sep 1987	Blazers Nightclub, Windsor, England
6	Win	6–0	Leon Morris	KO	1 (6), 0:25	1 Jul 1987	Royal Albert Hall, London, England
5	Win	5–0	Reginald Marks	TKO	1 (6)	7 Jun 1987	Royal Albert Hall, London, England
4	Win	4–0	Winston Burnett	TKO	4 (8)	9 May 1987	Latchmere Leisure Centre, London, England
3	Win	3–0	Rob Nieuwenhuizen	TKO	1 (6), 2:03	22 Apr 1987	Royal Albert Hall, London, England
2	Win	2–0	Kevin Roper	TKO	1 (6)	4 Mar 1987	Festival Hall Super Tent, Basildon, England
1	Win	1–0	Graeme Ahmed	TKO	2 (8), 1:10	28 Jan 1987	Fairfield Halls, London, England	Professional debut

Titles in boxing

Amateur accomplishments

• Amateur boxing: 41 wins 4 loss
• 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.

References

1. "The best rum houses in Barbados". Timesonline.co.uk. Retrieved 2015-07-11.
2. http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bendirs/2011/11/dark_destroyer_sees_the_light.html
3. "Nigel Benn". Nigel Benn. 2014-06-20. Retrieved 2015-07-11.
4. "World Boxing Council". Wbcboxing.com. 2014-06-06. Retrieved 2015-07-11.
5. Daniel Lane. "'When you think he is in darkness, that's a scary thought ... the darkness'". Smh.com.au. Retrieved 2015-07-11.
6. "Gold Charity Ambassadors". City2Surf. Retrieved 2015-07-11.
7. "Nigel Benn". Nigel Benn. 2014-06-20. Retrieved 2015-07-11.
8. "Media & Events". Pcycnsw.org. 2012-08-10. Retrieved 2015-07-11.
9. "Life Community :August 2014 News" (PDF). Salvos.org.au. Retrieved 2015-07-11.
10. Rafael, Dan (2016) "New pro Harley Benn: 'This is my journey'", ESPN, 19 October 2016. Retrieved 14 November 2016

External links

• Professional boxing record for Nigel Benn from BoxRec
• House Collection Series
• Recent interview with Nigel Benn (audio)