This was about 9-10 months into his pro career This content is protected Can’t think of any non-Olympians who were touted to be top dog so early on in their careers I remember he was on Last Resort with Jonathon Ross in Dec.87! Mad
The benefits of being an exciting fighter who went out nice and often, with space on national TV to showcase him. It'd never happen now. I remember people at school regularly talking about Benn as much as they talked about Tyson. You'd struggle to get kids talking boxing at all now, other than AJ and Fury.
Agree and looking back on it Benn was great. I still cannot believe he turned down $5 million to defend his crappy WBO 160lbs belt against SRL to instead box Eubank for under £800k and we know what happened there. One of the British greats for sure though.
Definitely one of the British greats but I think he overachieved somewhat. Not the best boxer, technically, quite good power but lots of aggression, the heart of a lion and ever so gutsy. I remember speaking to Jimmy & Mark Tibbs about him a few years ago and they agreed that he wasn't the best boxer but his heart and determination helped him achieve what he did.