At this point Benn was considered the greatest British fighter

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More so from the American media than the British media believe it or not. Steve Farhood with a direct quote in late 95 Benn is the best ever from English shores.

It’s how funny how a few poor performances/losses can shift opinion and how important it is to wait until a career has finished for a total body of work.

Benn frankly looked terrible post-McClellan imo although the sharpness is there here in this fight. I think it was a balance & coordination issue due to x-rays displaying a shadow over most of his brain following the McClellan encounter (that his gangster team had to pull strings around to keep him fighting).

Had Iron Mike Tyson for instance went to prison for murder or something (hypothetically speaking) in late 89, I’m sure all would consider him the best and most unbeatable fighting machine ever to grace the sport!

 

I can understand the praise for Benn.
I love the guy, one of the most exciting fighter to come from the British isles.
Can't see him as the greatest British fighter but I'm proud he was fighting for the Brit's , bashing the opposition.

 

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sorry forgot to post

 

Great fighter he might make it into my top 15.. but no way the greatest.

 

Most terrifying would be a better shout.

 

His win against (hype as an American 'pound for pound' talent) Gerald McClellan, as tragic as it was, at the time had an 'epicness' about it, the heart, viciousness and resilience shown by Benn was instantly legendary.

Obviously it takes a good deal of forgetfulness or ignorance of boxing history, but it was an emotional response.

People are calling Usyk "the greatest heavyweight ever", which is almost as bad.

 

I think American commentators have a tendency to overrate wins over ‘their’ fighters and to underrate wins over non-Americans. That’s more reflective of those judgements than Benn’s actual status.

 

His win over McClellan was a great win in a great fight. It showed tremendous heart and will.

His fight with Watson was one of the best British fights ever. Benn showed a fearless attitude towards Watson, and although got completely outboxed and outgunned, sort of did Benn good as people saw the excitement. Another great fight and great skill and win for Watson

 

No way is Nigel the best ever British fighter but he's certainly a candidate for most exciting.

 

I think people have missed the point. At time stamps perceptions of fighters are different. Like Wilder or Joshua were unbeatable machines who’d annihilate a peak Tyson….obviously seems a bit silly now. Fury before his losses was outboxing Lennox and Ali…

 

If it had been in existence at the time, and you'd have ran a poll on this forum as to who was the greater British fighter ever, Benn would have either attracted no or an extreme minority of votes. I assure you of that.

 

Nigel is so fun to watch bro

 

Benn was a real fighter, I thought it was funny when he was looking back on facing Eubank and Watson… he said something to the effect of “God why not me instead? Look at him!” That was his main limitation he actually fought around 160lbs at 160lbs he was a very game bull terrier scrapping with the Mastiffs, Rottweilers and Dobermans.

 

Like a modern Jack Dempsey!