STATEMENT FROM NIGEL BENN
“I can confirm that I have made a formal application for a boxing license with the British & Irish Boxing Authority. I refute the claims that I re-applied for a license with any other accredited sanctioning body (as has been stated in the press). Therefore, I have not been refused a license as alleged. It is my decision to box again (although may be seen by some as ‘controversial’). However, unlike many boxers, I have continued to maintain my fitness and healthy lifestyle since my last fight with Steve Collins.
“I acknowledge the risks associated with the sport, and fully understand the importance of being fully assessed by medical professionals. Therefore, I’ve welcomed the requirements of BIBA to clearly establish that I AM ‘fit to box’. I have undergone numerous and regular medical investigations to confirm this, including periodic MRI brain scans. Now that I’m in the UK, within the next few weeks I have welcomed (at the request of BIBA) a further series of tests – including another MRI brain scan to provide clear clarification of my state of health. BIBA are also facilitating additional safeguarding at ringside for my fight (which far exceeds the criteria of any other sanctioning organization).
“My desire to box again is something that has remained within me for several years… It is MY choice alone, and I’ve not been persuaded or coerced by any other person. I feel like that I am being discriminated against because of my age. I can also confirm that I have chosen to fight an opponent who is a renowned former world champion in his own right. The challenge that I’ve set myself is high. This IS a tough challenge, but one that I feel I need to pursue to bring about final closure and an inner peace of mind for myself as a man. It’s NOT about the money, it’s about closing a desire that remains within my mind, body and soul. This is my dream, and I hope boxing fans around the world will embrace my wishes, and support and respect the fact that this is my decision alone.”
Benn is hard up for a paycheck or is in complete denial about the dangers of his health at his ripe age (as a boxer). Benn can refuse or deny it’s not about money, fame, personal closure, etc., but the fact remains he is putting himself at high risk for being on life support or in a wheel chair the rest of his life. So sad that some aging retired fighters have a sudden urge to reinvent their energy by thinking they can bang once more in the ring only to be one-step away from death or some permanent injury that haunts them the rest of their life.
Somehow I don’t think his main incentive for coming back is a paycheck. How much could it possibly be? He probably wants to prove to himself and the world that he is an extremely rare human being that could still take on the world at 55 years old! I saw a video of him on the mitts and he looked great, he might even be able to beat 40 year old Bika. Benn is living in Australia now, so perhaps a fight with Mundine or Danny Green (weight classes don’t seem to matter much in Australia) If he gets in the ring with any young, current top middlle/supermiddleweight, he will ge anhilated, embarrrased, and possibly severely hurt
I am sure he looks good hitting mitts as this is training. However, at 55 years old, getting hit period in a boxing match has serious risks. No matter the excuse Benn is stating for match, his health need to be protected by those who govern the sport of boxing.
I was a big fan of the Dark Destroyer when he was in his prime but if he has to have one more fight, I wish he would have picked someone with a lesser chin than Bika.
Nothing good can come of this fight with Sakio,he’s as hard as granite and can hit just as hard.His license should be rejected for his own good !!
Dangerous and I do mean DANGEROUS fight for Nigel Benn. Anyone remember what happened to Gerald McClennan after the Benn fight?
If he wants to fight let the man fight. Good luck Nigel the scorpion is no joke
He didn’t get a licence refused because he knew if he applied to the BBBC he’d have been turned down.
BIBA are a disgrace sanctioning this.
Benn was a great fighter…WAS, but he shot his bolt in 95 in the McClellan fight, after that war he was never the same again.
He lost his last 3, 2 by stoppage and at 32 he was done.
Now he’s 55 and believes he’s better than ever!?! Benn needs protecting from himself.
Hope he doesn’t get hurt.
Yori Boy Campas is a better choice to see if he is ready for the comeback, followed by Bika and obviously his main target Canelo
Do you really think Benn will get in the ring with Canelo? I’m sure Benn would love to, but nobody in their right mind would sanction that fight. Canelo is a boxer, not a murderer.
The WBA and WBC are very interested in this fight. The WBA wants to sanction this bout for the “Super Grampy Championship” and the WBC (Sulaiman) are in the process of making a belt that will be called “Methuselah”
Man what a dangerous fight at his age. Bika is past his prime and all but he’s still one tough nut and can still fight hard. Not sure why Benn is taking on such a huge challenge for a seemingly one off at his age.
From what I’ve seen (interviews etc) it’s that Benn had always fought other demons – depression etc – during his fighting career. He feels liberated now (no demons or harmful vices) and wants to see how he can do with all that shit out of his system.
I’m not a fan of this fight but can kind of see his reasoning. In his favour , he has always kept himself in decent condition and maybe the length of break will actually have done him good?
Maybe they could have brought in a guy who has not been mixing at world level so recently and maybe he should only have been licensed to fight someone according to their ability etc?
My biggest worry is that this one off fight leads to more activity
“I have continued to maintain my fitness and healthy lifestyle since my last fight with Steve Collins.”
This fight happened in 1996. 1996!?!!!
This statement alone clearly shows that Benn should not be granted a licence. He is in denial big time.