i'm currently watching the benn vs eubank fights, and i'm wondering how well known and respected they were in the states? i really didn't see much of them at the time of their careers, as boxing isn't shown much on free to air tv down here. i did see a few highlights now and then, especially of nigel benn. also prince naseem hamed. did he have much respect from the american fight fans at the time?
Hamed was a big draw when he first went to the States. HBO seemed big on him. I think most considered him a twat though.
Well hes basically a less refined Herol Graham with power. So, yes. One of the oddest looking styles I've had the privelage of watching is the greatest Fly of all time, Pascual Perez
Benn beat De Witt and Iran Barkley over there so I think he was well appreciated over there with his come forward agressive style.
Eubank was pretty much unknown. Benn was known for the Watson, Barkley and McClellan fights. Hamed was known of course.
G-Man was as destructive puncher as any before he fought benn. He destroyed Julian Jackson twice before that. Shame what happened eventually.
Hamed although very arrogant and annoying to some, was thought pretty highly of. His KO power, and entertaining persona garunteed him a high level of appeal and marketability. Many questioned how he would fare if matched against a high level boxer. For some this was answered emphatically with Barrera's victory, while supporters claim Hamed was past his prime and a lack of training were the reasons for the defeat. Since their are not any other names of Barrera type caliber we may never fully know. Like many of the modern era fighters the jury still remains out with supporters and detractors as to the level of how good he was.
Benn & Eubank were both top tier belt holders/contenders during their time frame. I believe Benn had more of an aura of drawing power. Due to Benn's wins over barkley and mcClellan he recieved IMO a higher level of acceptance in the hearts and minds of people. His power and resilancy made him entertaining to watch for many. I don't believe Eubank ever recieved the public acceptance among many, at least to the level that Benn did. Personally I think Eubank suffered to a large degree by his detractors and think he still suffers today in comparision among that era. For my money he was better than Benn and among the cream of the crop. For me he should rank along side of McCallum, RJJ & Toney...but don't know how many would agree with me in that assessment!
Don King signed Nigel Benn for showtime in the states and I believe he had a piece of Hamed for a short time, so both were showcased. HBO signed Hamed after his Showtime deal and he was showcased a lot. Eubank not so much.
