Early odds have Sakio “The Scorpion” Bika (34-7-3, 22 KOs) out in front as a -600 favorite in the return of 55-year-old former middleweight and super middleweight world champion Nigel “The Dark Destroyer” Benn (42-5-1, 35 KOs). Benn backers can get +350. They meet on November 23 at Resorts World Arena in Birmingham, England.
In case you were wondering, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) made it known they would refuse to grant Benn a boxing license. However, the British and Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) stepped in to sanction the bout.
Incredibly sad state of affairs really. Whatever the result
Totally agree Ian.
Do the people ‘behind’ Benn really think this is a good idea? or are they more interested in making a quick buck while he risks potential severe injury..?
Bika….. you need a pay day this badly ??? Shame.
I was a big fan of Benn’s in the 80s/90s.
After seeing him beaten by Watson, then Eubanks I thought he’d pretty much shot his bolt.
But, wow, did he prove me wrong, he came back, rebuilt himself, won the WBC SMW title and avenged his loss to Eubanks (it was scored a draw, but Benn won that fight).
In his career he had some cracking scraps, including his tear ups with Watson, Eubanks (1) Doug DeWitt, Barkley, Lou Gent, and more memorably the tragic war with McClellan – how he won that fight I’ll never know, but on that night he just refused to lose.
For me, that fight took a lot out of him and he should probably left the game then, on a high.
He fought on, losing his last 3, 2 by stoppage, he was 32, not that old, but his aggressive/tear-up style = short career.
Now, 23 years later, at 55, he wants to fight again – not a good idea, for obvious reasons….I hope he doesn’t get seriously hurt!
55 years old is an “old man” for boxing. The boxing councils that even allow this to happen should be legally held accountable for such a potential death in the ring. Benn would be at high risk for a cranial bleed and/or a severe concussion based off his age risk(s). Simply amazing they would take entertainment over health risks all because Benn is delusional and thinks he can fight again when he is washed up.
Good response! I don’t know that I would ever refer to Benn as “washed up” but agree whole-heartedly that he is self-delusional and that anyone who genuinely cares about this Man should intervene and talk some sense. Cool for sharing your thoughts!
The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) reportedly refused to grant Benn a boxing license. That should have been it right there! Case closed.
I’ve read that Benn didn’t actually approach the BBBoC, as he knew what their answer would be, so instead went straight to BIBA, who are a lot less stringent, so it’s incorrect to say he was refused a BBBoC licence.
23 years later, and he wants another fight at 55 years of age!? “Insane in the membrane”!!
Nigel Benn is not washed up.
Let me guess, James. You’re last name is Toney? And you’d like a fight with Benn after this one?
No big surprise Benn is returning, he’s talked of it for years. I am surprised he picked a hard-ass like Bika instead of a softer touch.
Another case of poor decision making by a fighter who simply can’t accept the realities of father-time. I might even back this if it was an exhibition against a fledgling youngster but Bika is a name and a player.
Benn has a very proud resume and history. This could and probably will end up very badly for our sport.
Why this hasn’t made the radar of some of our sport’s Godfather’s who should be trying to intervene and prevent this man from potentially and most likely getting seriously harmed is beyond Me.
f**k it. I guess He’s a grown man and can make his own decisions but man….
Bika is a nasty tough fighter! Gotta respect Benn.. Odds are for sure against him at 55 but I love underdogs! We can’t question him having balls.