Nigel Benn retired in 1996 as a multi-weight champion and elite knockout artist.
Benn is responsible for one of the greatest opening rounds of all time, as well as a legendary rivalry with Chris Eubank.
With 35 stoppages by the end of his career, Benn started his career with an impressive knockout streak. Although his run was interrupted by Michael Watson, it was not the end of Benn stopping opponents.
During his reign as a super middleweight world champion, Benn was able to produce a stunning comeback victory.
Nigel Benn came back from two knockdowns to score stoppage in world title fight
Following Benn’s controversial draw with Eubank, he defended his WBC World Super Middleweight title against Henry Wharton in February 1994, and Juan Carlos Gimenez seven months later.
In February 1995, he would look to defend his title once again. This time, he would face American fighter Gerald McClellan (31-2).
The challenger was the WBC middleweight champion, moving up a weight class to challenge Benn. Despite having a good start, however, he would be defeated.
A furious opening to the fight would see Benn be knocked outside the ropes by the challenger. However, the champion was able to return to the ring and continue to fight.
As the rounds went by, tensions began to rise in the hard-hitting slugfest.
In the eighth round, Benn would go down for a second time thanks to an onslaught of punches from McClellan. Despite the damage he received, Benn came back into the fight, throwing heavy punches.
In the 10th round, Benn was able to pull off a comeback victory.
Shortly after scoring a knockdown on his opponent, Benn would land the fight-ending blow. An uppercut from the clinch would result in McClellan getting counted out.
The win was the seventh time Benn retained his title. As for McClellan, he was unable to continue fighting after the back-and-forth war.
Gerald McClellan was forced to retire from boxing after Nigel Benn bout
Tragically, McClellan was forced to retire following his fight with Benn. Injuries sustained in the world title fight caused McClellan to fall into a coma for two weeks.
McClellan’s sight and hearing were impaired after the bout, and he needed a wheelchair due to the damage sustained. Although the fighter has had some physical improvements, he still maintains permanent injuries from the bout.
Benn was involved in a fundraiser for his former opponent years after their meeting, helping to generate financial resources for McClellan and his medical needs.
McClellan’s boxing record would be 31-3 after the Benn fight. The American was a two-time middleweight champion, with three successful title defenses. He is also considered to be one of the hardest-hitting fighters of his time.