Nigel Benn

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Nigel Gregory Benn (born 22 January 1964) is a British former professional boxer now based in Australia who competed from 1987 until 1996. He is a two-weight world champion, having held the WBO middleweight title in 1990 and reigned as the WBC super-middleweight champion from 1992 to 1996.[1] He held the regional Commonwealth middleweight title from 1988 to 1989. Benn was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2026.[2]

Benn retired with an 83.3% knockout ratio.[3] In his career, he defeated several world champions, including Doug DeWitt, Thulani Malinga, and Mauro Galvano.[4] Notable fights include title defenses against Iran Barkley in 1989,[5] two world title contests against Chris Eubank in 1990 and 1993, and a world title fight against McClellan. Benn defended his WBC super-middleweight title nine consecutive times.[6][7] Before his ring walks, the chimes of Big Ben were frequently played.[8]

Early life and amateur career

Benn was born in Ilford, Essex (now East London)to Bajan parents, on 22 January 1964. At the age of 18, Benn joined the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and was stationed in West Germany for three years. He was later stationed in Northern Ireland for an additional eighteen months.[9] After leaving the army, Benn joined the West Ham Amateur Boxing Club.[10] He became the Amateur Boxing Association Middleweight Champion in 1986.[11]

Professional career

Benn began his professional boxing career in 1987, achieving 16 consecutive knockout victories within the first year. On 20 April 1988, he won the vacant Commonwealth middleweight title by defeating Abdul Umaru via a second-round stoppage at Alexandra Pavilion, improving to 17–0 with 17 knockouts.[1][12]

Over the next year, Benn had increased his undefeated streak to 22–0, with 22 knockouts, before facing Michael Watson in May 1989 in defence of his Commonwealth title. The bout was nationally televised and took place at Finsbury Park, London.[13] In the sixth round, Benn was counted out after Watson knocked him down with a jab, thus losing his title and ending both his undefeated record and his perfect knockout streak.[14]

Benn's next fight, against Jorge Amparo in Atlantic City, U.S., marked his first fight outside the UK, and the first to go the full distance. He won by a 10-round decision.[1]

WBO middleweight champion

Template:Main article After securing victories against Sanderline Williams and Jose Quinones, Benn faced WBO middleweight champion Doug DeWitt in Atlantic City. After being knocked down in the second round, Benn recovered, flooring DeWitt in the third round, and delivering three knockdowns in the eighth to claim the title.[15]

His first defence was in August 1990 against former WBC champion Iran Barkley. Benn won by virtue of the three-knockdown rule at the end of the first round.

Only three months later, Benn would return to the UK to make his second defence, this time against unbeaten British rival Chris Eubank (24–0). The build-up to the fight was noted for the intense acrimony between the two; in contrast to Eubank, who insisted that he did not hate Benn despite denigrating him and his abilities, Benn declared that he genuinely hated Eubank and intended to beat him severely. In a fiercely competitive bout held at Birmingham on 18 November 1990, Benn lost his title to Eubank by ninth-round technical knockout. Despite dropping Eubank in the eighth round, Eubank came back in the next round with a relentless flurry that left Benn staggered and largely defenseless against the ropes, forcing referee Richard Steele to step in. This was the second loss of Benn's career.[16]

WBC super-middleweight champion

Template:Main article Following his loss to Eubank, Benn returned in 1991 with a seventh-round KO victory over Robbie Sims (Marvin Hagler's half-brother). In July of that year, Benn made his super-middleweight debut with a fourth-round TKO over Kid Milo. After defeating two more journeyman fighters that year, he began 1992 with a one-punch KO victory against Dan Sherry. He followed this up with a unanimous decision win over the formidable Thulani Malinga, a future world champion whom Benn would face again years later.

Now on a six-fight winning streak, including five at super middleweight, Benn earned another shot at a world title. On 10 October 1992, Benn successfully challenged Mauro Galvano for the WBC super-middleweight title in Palaghiaccio di Marino, Marino, Lazio, Italy. Due to a severe cut, Galvano could not continue after the third round, awarding Benn the title.

Benn's move to the higher weight class led him to refine his fight strategy and adopt a more measured approach.[17] He successfully defended his title three times, defeating fellow Britons Nicky Piper and Lou Gent, followed by a rematch with Galvano that Benn won by unanimous decision. He then faced Chris Eubank, now WBO super-middleweight champion, in a unification bout on 9 October 1993. The bout ended in a draw, with both fighters retaining their respective titles. Benn defended his title twice in 1994 with unanimous decisions against Henry Wharton and Juan Carlos Giminez Ferreyra.[18]

Benn vs McClellan

Template:Main article In February 1995, Benn successfully defended his super-middleweight title against former WBC middleweight champion Gerald McClellan in a highly anticipated bout billed as Sudden Impact. Going into the fight, McClellan had won his last 21 fights, the last 14 by knockout with 13 of those knockouts in the first three rounds. Due to this record, many British media saw Benn as an underdog.[19]

In round one, Benn was knocked through the ropes as McClellan dominated early. Benn struggled in the early rounds, with McClellan in clear control. From rounds four to six, Benn began to shift the momentum, as McClellan showed signs of distress, repeatedly losing his gum shield, backing off for extended periods, and blinking continuously. McClellan responded in rounds seven and eight, knocking Benn down again in the latter. However, McClellan, now visibly fatigued, was unable to capitalise on his advantage. Benn won the fight by stoppage in the tenth round via knockout, as McClellan could not rise from his knees. At the time of the stoppage, two judges had McClellan ahead, while the third scored the fight as even, although these scores did not account for the two knockdowns Benn delivered in the final round.[20]

McClellan sustained serious injuries as a result of the fight. After collapsing in his corner post-fight, McClellan was rushed to the hospital, where doctors found a blood clot in his brain. McClellan fell into a coma for two weeks. The injuries left him with significant impairments: he suffers from short-term memory problems, is almost blind, partially deaf, and uses a wheelchair. However, since 1995, McClellan has regained some of his hearing, having been 80% deaf, and can now walk with a cane. In 2007, McClellan, his sister, and his children attended a benefit dinner organised and hosted by Benn to help McClellan with his ongoing medical expenses.[21]

After his fight with McClellan, Benn had two further successful title defences, with wins against future WBC title-holder Vincenzo Nardiello and American Danny Perez. Benn then faced Thulani Malinga in a 1996 rematch. Benn managed to knock Malinga down in the fifth round, but he would go on to meet the canvas himself in the twelfth round. Benn lost the contest by a split decision (118–109, 115–111, 112–114), thus ending his title reign.[22]

Benn vs Collins I and II

In 1996, Benn attempted to take the WBO super-middleweight title twice from Steve Collins, who had taken that particular title from Eubank. Benn failed in both attempts. In the first fight, he lost by TKO in round four after sustaining an ankle injury. In the rematch four months later, Benn was retired by his corner at the end of round six with Benn on his stool. He retired from professional boxing altogether shortly after the second fight.[1]

Return from retirement

On 24 September 2019, Benn announced his intention to return to boxing at 55, after a 23-year absence from the ring. Benn explained that he wanted "closure" after the unsatisfactory end to his boxing career in 1996.[23] He revealed plans for a bout against former WBC super-middleweight world champion Sakio Bika (34–7–3), scheduled for 23 November 2019. The British Boxing Board of Control refused to sanction the fight, leading to its controversial sanctioning by the British and Irish Boxing Authority instead.[24] However, the fight was subsequently called off after Benn suffered a shoulder injury in sparring. Benn confirmed that he was abandoning his planned comeback.[25]

Life after boxing

In 1999, Benn attempted suicide, citing struggles with sex addiction and its impact on his family. He survived partly because the hosepipe he used to recycle exhaust fumes into his car disconnected repeatedly. Benn regards this incident as a turning point, after which he embraced Christianity and committed to remaining faithful to his wife.[26]

In 2002, Benn participated in the first series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! He was eliminated second on 3 September 2002, placing 7th.

Benn works with at-risk youth[27] in Blacktown, New South Wales, Australia,[28] and is dedicated to his charity work. He is an ambassador to the New South Wales Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC)[29] and an advocate for healthy living.[30] 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.[31]

Benn was inducted into the World Boxing Council (WBC) Boxing Hall of Fame in 2013 and is honoured alongside fellow Brit Joe Calzaghe, both WBC middleweight champions. His image is now on the sixth-generation WBC super middleweight belt.[30][32]

Benn ran the 2013 City to Surf to raise funds for the most underfunded PCYC gym in Redfern, Sydney[33] and has undertaken many fundraisers for the charity since improving the boxing facilities in the most impoverished areas of Sydney. Benn regularly assists Christian groups, counseling individuals with addiction,[34] and along with his wife, Carolyne, counsels couples facing marital issues.

One of Benn's sons, Conor Benn, turned professional in 2016 and is currently fighting at welterweight.[35] Another son, Harley,[36] turned professional in 2017.[37]

In 2024, Benn joined fellow London boxers Frank Bruno, Lennox Lewis and Chris Eubank for an Amazon Prime Video mini-documentary, Four Kings.[38] In the final episode, he revealed he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He also stated that he was aware of unresolved PTSD[39] due to the circumstances surrounding his older brother's death.

Professional boxing record

Template:BoxingRecordSummary

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

References

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  1. ↑ a b c d Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  3. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  5. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  26. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  28. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  31. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  32. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  33. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  34. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  35. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  36. ↑ Rafael, Dan (2016) "New pro Harley Benn: 'This is my journey'", ESPN, 19 October 2016. Retrieved 14 November 2016
  37. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  38. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  39. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".[1]

External links

Template:Sister project

Template:S-text
Sporting positions

Template:S-text Template:S-before

ABA middleweight champion
1986 Template:S-ttl/check

Template:S-after Template:S-text Template:S-break

Vacant
Title last held by
Tony Sibson 		Commonwealth
middleweight champion
20 April 1988 – 21 June 1989 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check WBO middleweight champion
29 April 1990 – 18 Nov 1990 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check WBC super-middleweight champion
3 October 1992 – 2 March 1996 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by

Template:Authority control

  1. ↑ Cite error: Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".Script error: No such module "Namespace detect".
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