Former world champion Nigel Benn is considered one of the best fighters to come out of Britain.
From Benn’s epic brace of fights with Chris Eubank in their rivalry to victories over Gerald McClellan and Henry Wharton, ‘The Dark Destroyer’ was a sight to behold.
The former world middleweight and super middleweight champion was at the peak of his powers in the 90s before retiring after two losses to Steve Collins in 1996.
In one of Benn’s most memorable and electric performances, he was able to retain his world title in a 1990 fight in Las Vegas.
Nigel Benn and Iran Barkley shared incredible opening round before stoppage finish
1990 would see Benn welcome a title challenge from Iran Barkley, an American fighter with a 25-6 record.
Barkley was just a year removed from a split decision WBC World Middleweight title loss to Roberto Duran, having defeated Thomas Hearns for the belt in 1988.
Looking to become a two-time champion, Barkley faced Benn, who was looking to make his first defense of the WBO World Middleweight title.
However, it would be a quick night at the office for both men.
The fight started at an electric pace, with Benn putting his opponent down within the opening seconds. However, he would escape a point deduction despite punching Barkley who was downed.
Recovering well, Barkley would land his own shot of significance on the champion, stinging Benn with a left hook. Backed up against the ropes, Benn was able to escape from the barrage of punches from the challenger.
The two men threw huge shots with intent throughout the round, with each fighter getting caught on several occasions.
Then, Benn would be able to land four clean punches on Barkley, putting him down for a second time. On the restart, Benn landed a clean right hook on his opponent, putting Barkley down for a third and final time.
The fight would end with just seconds left of the round, as Benn retained his world title.
Nigel Benn would face Chris Eubank for the first time after Barkley victory
Benn’s first world title defense against Barkley would see him paired up with bitter rival Eubank in November 1990.
The fight would be Eubank’s first world title fight, after winning all 24 of his bouts to that point.
However, the champion would be dethroned by ‘Simply the Best’, as Eubank won via ninth-round TKO. With their first meeting being razor close until the stoppage, Eubank and Benn agreed to rematch on live television.
Their sequel bout would have a less conclusive ending, however, ending in a split-draw.