Michael Watson v Nigel Benn 2

Tough question but given Mallinga seemingly got robbed against Benn after this (this is prior to beating him), you'd probably expect Watson to beat him too. Although Benn would be seriously up for a Watson rematch, which he probably wasnt against Mallinga. Benn beat some decent boxer movers himself and maybe deserved the Eubank rematch

 

I reckon a more seasoned, and more patient Benn would have taken it on points, but it would have been a tough one.

 

benn was a ghost in a shell when malinga did win a decision. also lost the ability to pull the trigger i felt. malinga was hurt or at least dazed by that counter right hand benn landed in the 5th. in the first fight i felt malinga pressured benn and landed enough to win but a draw made sense.

benns foreward moving aggressive style had changed by the mid 90's, his shoulder roll and jab became a major role, outboxed and counterpunched the boxercounterpuncher in chris eubank


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but lets not forget that it was the greatness of watson not the weakness of benn that won the fight. benns stamina and buldozer style didnt gel with a rock solid defence and technical prowess. he pressured benn then came on strong which made benn throw more and thus became a vicious circle.

the later benn did box more effectivly. striaghtend that right hand and used more economic combo's. but i dont know i think watson has the tools to handle nigel. watson was a big man. he man handled both benn and eubank...2 really strong middleweights. nigel looked to light heavy and eubank was a decent built cruiserweight.


i think watson could do it again to a decision.

 

:goodthanks man.

yeah watson in the 1st eubank fight was always the aggressor, yet lost. in the 2nd qatson was taking no prisoners bullied him differently. eubank was falling apart. th eknockdown was due to him not getting out of the way fast enough.

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every round after the 5th round. eubank only gave 30 seconds at the start of the round. after that 30 seconds it would be 2:30 of watson chasing landing and flailing. no strength in his arms.

 

benn is one of my favourite fighters after thier first fight they both improved by large margins but i just feel watson just had benns number

 

Oh this ones out to me is it? Lol okay. I think it would definately be a very different fight, Benn wouldnt do his impression of a bull in a china shop this time round and would retain himself for the later rounds. It would be a very close fight with Watson again giving Benn problems with Benn eventually getting a close, maybe controversial win by decision. But I would say that.

edit: I've been thinking about it some more and I'm just not sure. I've just been watching the second fight between Watson and Eubank again and Watson looked so big and strong, it truly was a miracle Eubank won that fight and a tragedy Watson lost it. Benn would need to fight like he did against McClellan to win. It truly is a shame this fight never came off. Watson UD although it pains me so. What do you think Stevie?

 

Eubank coming back to win that bout was indeed an alltime great comeback. He came back from nowhere and won the bout.
If Watson comes in at 100%--and he came in consistent and was never a hot and cold guy--I just don't think Benn beats him. As an opponent, Watson just wasn't a guy that left a big window of opportunity for Benn to capitalize on. It's Benn that leaves the windows open. But they would always be good fights to watch & then we had Steve Collins entering into the equation. What a terrific time for the sport and what's great is the fact that these guys signed to fight each other & the loser wanted to know when the rematch was.

 

I would have dearlyloved to have seen this rematch!
Benn was one of the reasons I started boxing. Arealmarquee fighter. And Watson was a stunning athlete and quality fighter who was cut off in his prime. Ahh, great days...x

 

Watson by close but clear 7-5 UD.

 

A Jimmy Tibbs trained Benn wins this one and i would say by late TKO,Watson won the first Eubank fight and was winning the second one but i think those 2 fights would have taken alot out of him mentally and Physically also he was badly beaten and outclassed by Mike McCallum a fight which in fairness he took on short notice and wasnt 100% therefore with the wear and tear on Watson and an improved Benn more patient,cunning and better defence i think Nigel takes this.