Nigel Benn realises the fireplace has gone out following second loss to Steve Collins, writes Matt Bevan
THE super-middleweight division has at all times been a favorite on these shores and within the early to mid-1990’s, three males enthralled and entertained the lots. Chris Eubank initially led the best way, however Nigel Benn and finally Steve Collins took over, with Collins holding two victories over each his rivals and on November 9 1996 Collins recorded a second victory over Benn; the final time we noticed “The Darkish Destroyer” within the ring.
The 2 males returned to the scene of their first fight, the then-named Nynex Enviornment in Manchester, the place Collins had initially vanquished Benn in 4 rounds, when the slugger retired on his stool due an ankle harm.
4 months later we have been again in Manchester with Benn searching for redemption and Collins searching for a definitive and extra emphatic victory. As soon as once more the WBO super-middleweight belt was on the road and as soon as once more, Benn retired on his stool, though this time there was no harm.
Collins was at all times relentless in his assaults, however Benn carried the knockout energy which made him one of the watchable and thrilling fighters that Britain has ever produced.
Many followers hoped for another standout efficiency from Benn, however his coronary heart didn’t appear in it on the evening and he took a scientific beating by the hands of “The Celtic Warrior”.
“The Darkish Destroyer” perhaps ought to have give up earlier, however he was by no means a person to again down from a problem. Benn tried to commerce with Collins, however nothing he tried labored and on the finish of the sixth spherical he signalled that he needed no extra to referee Paul Thomas.
Benn retired following the battle, though there have been rumours of a comeback, “The Darkish Destroyer” was by no means again between the ropes, regardless of Collins’ assumption after the battle that he can be again.
Collins fought twice extra in 1997, defending his title towards Frederic Seillier and Craig Cummings, however an harm in coaching scuppered a battle with Joe Calzaghe in Sheffield later that yr. It was Eubank who took the battle as a substitute, the place these in attendance witnessed the start of a legendary profession at world title stage.
However the fights between Collins and Benn, though not the barnstormers that have been anticipated, are large in British Boxing historical past and each stay iconic figures within the super-middleweight division.
