Review : An evening with Nigel Benn & Steve Collins

[koomey]

On Thursday 23rd November I attended a dinner evening in Gateshead (near Newcastle upon Tyne for those that don't know).

It was run by JRS promotions and the guests were no other than Nigel Benn and Steve Collins. Also in attendance was Kevin Lueshing who manages the PR side for Nigel & Steve.

Having booked the tickets three months earlier I was really looking forward to the event which I believe was also to raise some funds for a local kid's school/charity.

The evening kicked off at around 7.30pm when the VIP ticket holders (myslef and wife incl) were called upstairs for a photo opportunity with Nigel & Steve. There were quite a few people there and Kevin Leushing was floating about with the MC giving instructions.

We were told that we would have a photo with Nigel & Steve together and if we had anything we'd liked signed it would have to be dedicated in case people were intending on selling stuff afterwards on eBay. Fair do's, but I rolled up with my WBO super world champion belt. Now, I bought this belt around three years ago direct from Sports Network and have documentation to prove it's authenticity (i.e. it's not a poor replica from the 'net). There were about seven people in front of me in the queue for the photo's when Kevin Leushing approached me and asked me what was in the case. When I said I had brought my belt to get signed he kicked off.

He said that under no circumstances would Nigel or Steve be signing the belt. He said that it would devalue the belt and it just wouldn't happen. He asked to see the belt to which I obliged and showed him that I had already aqcuired Chris Eubank's autograph at a recent book signing. I was happy for them to dedicate my name as I have no intention of selling the belt on, but he was having none of it.

To be honest I was quite embaressed by this point so by the time I got to meet Nigel and Steve for the photo I was a bit pissed off!

Kevin did say that if I was to offer them a considerable sum then it would be a different story much to my disgust.

Anyway, we headed downstairs and waited for the rest of the evening to begin.

There were I reckon about 150-200 people there, so the atmosphere was good and we had a good view as Nigel & Steve sat at the top table on the stage. There was a bog screen behind them where throughout the night there was very poor quality video's shown. To be fair most of the footage is ropey of Benn & Collin's fights, but the organisers could have put together a better show on the screens. From 8.00 until 9.45 we sat bored watching the poor quality video's (with no sound) whilst we dragged out a mediocre three course meal. I really felt that at this time Nigel & Steve would have mingled through the tables for a bit of chit chat and photo's etc.

9.45 saw the start of the auction where about twelve pieces went under the hammer. We were also instructed to all put £10 into an envelope on our tables to go towards the charity. However, at no point was the amount raised over the evening announced or more importantly who was to benefit from the money raised. It would have been nice to get a thankyou.

Next up at around 10.30 was the interview and Q&A section hosted by the MC.

The MC briefly asked both guests about their career which took about 15 minutes then the floor was opened for questions where Nigel & Steve answered about six or seven questions.

To be honest, I was more interested in seeing Nigel Benn than Steve Collins as in my opinion Benn is one of my favourite. However, as soon as the questions finished Nigel was rushed through the back by Leushing whereas Steve stayed up on stage where people went up and got photo's signed. Nothing was too much trouble for Steve and he was a pure gent. Don't know what was up with Nigel, but he didn't seem up for it at all.

All in all, I was really looking forward to the evening and left dissapointed, altough was really impressed by Steve Collins' attitude - nothing was too much trouble.

If anyone else was at this event I'd like to hear what thye thought.

Thanks.

Koomey

[Jacko11]

Now you have bought this up pal check out my thread i am about to Post about my Collins show.....

[Old bones Ian]

I've been a bit surprised by Nigel Benn doing evening like this, is it that he needs the money? as i thought he always earnt well out of boxing

[Jacko11]

I heard he costs more than Steve also and that is from a very good source

[Old bones Ian]

I heard he costs more than Steve also and that is from a very good source

Yeah i don't doubt that, good luck with you night as well Jacko.