Fights that never happened

[Phoenix]

I read somewhere a while back there was also talk of Jones/Benn in '95, part of a USA v UK night with Bruno/Cole and Hamed/Gainer.
I'd take Jones to stop Benn and decision Eubank, Toney to decision both.

[Foggy]

Its sad to see that we aint got any guys like Eubank and Benn in British boxing right now, as in 2 world champs that could face each other for their belts, like in Benn V's Eubank 2 (to unify the belts). I mean how great would that be, 2 British world champs facing each other, that would be fantastic, the only one to me that is a real possibility could be Witter V's Hatton (I only say this becuase i feel that both could become world champs in the next 2 years) - Have a look at the other divisions and it dont really look to clever, this is the only fight i could see happening in the next couple of years for 2 world belts between 2 seperate British world champs) - shame neither guy holds a world title all ready.

[jamesmcdonnell]

The 2 fight Collins had with Benn , were right at the end of Benns career, he gave it a go for a few rounds in both. In the first fight Benn twisted his ankle and couldn't go on, it did look like Collins was begining to get to him anyway.

The second one, Benn came out firing, landed some good shots in the first and second round, but once Collins started coming on , then Benn pulled out of the fight.

It was kind of a sad way for Benn to Finish, i think he probaly took the second fight knowing that it would end this way if he didn't catch Collins early. but you can't blame him for taking a last payday.

Benn did get slagged off a bit after, people seemed to forget all the other great nights of excitment that he had given us.
Luckily the 2 Collins fights have been largely forgotten when people recall Benns career now

Yes, I remember people labelling him a quitter. But it was clear something had happened to his balance, and his power just wasn't there on the occasions he did land. As you say, people have rightly put all that into perspective, and seen Benn for the ballsy character he showed in so many fights in his career, win or lose.

[Coconut]

At least he recognised the right time to retire. Could have gone on for a bt after that but I'm pleased he didn't. Must still rankle because you can see he has the fire when he speaks (especially about Eubank) but at least his marbles are intact.

I'd have liked to have seen Thompson - Nelson 2.

I think Henry Wharton often gets overlooked in these chats as well. He had his chances but he was better than many give him credit for.

Reid - Eubank could have been interesting in 97ish

[MightyWarrior]

I think Henry Wharton often gets overlooked in these chats as well. He had his chances but he was better than many give him credit for.

Yes he was a very good fighter. Rare combination of big punch and a granite chin. Seem to remember Eubanks put on a masterclass to outbox Henry, one of his best performances.
He'd only lost three times when he retired, all to world champions.

Anyone know why he retired and what he's up to these days?

[REAL_DEAL]

Benn - Eubank 3

[Old bones Ian]

Billy Schwer v Michael Ayers, Ayers on points

[KOJOE90]

Yes, I remember people labelling him a quitter. But it was clear something had happened to his balance, and his power just wasn't there on the occasions he did land. As you say, people have rightly put all that into perspective, and seen Benn for the ballsy character he showed in so many fights in his career, win or lose.

I think it was after the second Collins V Benn fight that at the post fight ringside interview whilst Collins and Benn were sat together Collins said that if Benn had been in his prime, it would (could?) have been a different fight.

Benns fire was almost out by the time Collins got to him IMO.

[THEBUTCH]

Yeah , Michael Ayers v Billy Schwer was a natural. That was a tragedy that one never come off.

Ayers for me too. Michael was the best lightweight around, the way he finally crushed Colin Dunne in titanic battle put him at the top of the pile.

[jamesmcdonnell]

Yes, I remember people labelling him a quitter. But it was clear something had happened to his balance, and his power just wasn't there on the occasions he did land. As you say, people have rightly put all that into perspective, and seen Benn for the ballsy character he showed in so many fights in his career, win or lose.

I think it was after the second Collins V Benn fight that at the post fight ringside interview whilst Collins and Benn were sat together Collins said that if Benn had been in his prime, it would (could?) have been a different fight.

Benns fire was almost out by the time Collins got to him IMO.

Oh without a doubt it would have been a different fight. However, Collins was a huge man, he was even bigger than Eubank who looked much more solid than Benn at SM. I think Benn would have given Collins hell in the earlier rounds, but Collins strength would have become a problem late on, and I don't think Benn could have stopped him. Collins went the distance with a prime Mike McCallum, who was avoided by all the big names at middleweight, and McCallum could box and bang with authority.

I don't think Benn could stop Collins, and I think that eventually Collins power and strength would have told, either a late stoppage for Collins, or a close but clear points decision, with the last 4-5 rounds going Collins way.

[KOJOE90]

It's to the great detriment of boxing that on the whole the best of the UK never took on the best of the USA.

Toney, Jones Jr, McClellan, Nunn, Barkley, Hearns.

Eubank, Watson, Colins, Benn.

Very true.

Although I think Eubank Vs Nunn may have been a right stinker, with their respective counter punching biased styles. I could see Nunn throwing his sharp jab on the retreat with Eubank being forced to take the part of the aggressor for most of the fight and constantly missing with that awkward but powerfull overhand right hand.

Nunn on points.