Former super middleweight champions Nigel Benn, 53, and Steve Collins, 52, have agreed to fight for the third time against each other. The two British boxing stars collided twice in 1996 back when they were both big names in the division. Benn famously lost both fights but apparently, a third bout is on the way.
According to Benn, the fight will take place sometime in October or November this year. Though considering the age of both fighters, the British Boxing Board of Control might not sanction the fight. In that case, the fight will take place abroad.
“It’s about the final chapter. It’s about closure. I wouldn’t have a problem with Steve. So I asked him if he wants to fight. He said yes. No mucking about,” said Benn.
With two wins in his pocket, Collins sees this as just another opportunity to make a bit of extra money.
“It’s just about money, a payday which will allow me to buy some more land. I have no problem for Nigel. I have a lot of respect. I like him,” said Collins
With both fighters in their early 50’s, the medicals are certainly raising some questions but according to Collins, everything is fine and both fighters should be able to put on a good performance.
“I’m not angry any more and I can have everything I ever want. I am Nigel ‘Benjamin Button’ Benn. I feel like I am in my thirties,” told Benn.
“I am not fighting a 20-year-old-guy. I’m fighting someone the same age as me. There’s no disadvantage to anybody. I get medicals every year and the most impressive part is my MRI. ‘Excellent’ was how the neurosurgeon described it. I’m very healthy and very fit,” said Collins.
Better late than never?