BoxRec

Sunday 10pm BBC3

My Childhood.

A Documentary where Benn looks back at various events in his life.

Just a reminder.

Thanks Joe, I forgot about that. One to watch for the Dark Destroyer fans!!

Benn was Da man!

Max Molyneux wrote:Benn was Da man!

Agreed.

KOJOE90 wrote:

Max Molyneux wrote:Benn was Da man!

Agreed.

Did you enjoy it Joe? I thought it was very good, good insight from a different angle. One for the collection

Saw the last 40mins, interesting and sad story in many ways but with a hopefully happy ending.

The Hawk wrote:

KOJOE90 wrote:

Max Molyneux wrote:Benn was Da man!

Agreed.

Did you enjoy it Joe? I thought it was very good, good insight from a different angle. One for the collection

Yes Hawk, I did indeed enjoy it. As you say a very good program about a well liked Boxer and made from a slightly different angle.

Nigel has always struck me as a down to earth, honest, what you see is what you get type of guy and it was interesting to see him talk about his life so openly. Like the program said the death of his big brother had a big effect on him which is of course quite understanable.

The part when Nigel, his brother John and their mother went to visit the grave was very moving. Hopefully this program will have helped them all to finally come to terms with their loss.

I had totally forgotten about Nigel suicide attempt, over the years I had got things mixed up in my mind and always thought that that story was about Glen McCrory for some reason.

I loved that quote from Nigel near the end of the program where he said-

"The Dark Destroyer is still inside me..... just don't wake him up"

I thought Nigel was really brave doing the programme. Many would be too proud. It was a very interesting look at Benn.

Really enjoyed the documentary. Was aware of the influence his brother's death had on Nigel from his autobigraphy. However, this program examined the true nature and extent of this influence. Benn became an extreme and persistant scrapper from an early age, with a complusion for not losing. This was exasberated by the racism generated by the national front in his area that he continually fought gainst. Without that particular mixture of childhood and adolescent experiences, his physical talents might not have been enough to make him the very best in the world. His fight with Mcllellan sort of epitomises Benn's fighting spirit.

What was interesting was how these experiences in conjunction with other detrimental experiences from his first marriage affected his state of mind and behaviour i.e. sex addiction, depression and suicide attempt (and his spiral into drug culture and association with serious criminals - not mentioned in the documentary).

As is known, Benn found God several years back and seems more settled. And this programme and therapy really seemed to help him and his family draw some form of closure to their demons. His increased understanding of himself in general allowed him to find solice. He now seems to be happy with his wife, kids and faith.

Is it being shown again anywhere?

KOJOE90 wrote:

Max Molyneux wrote:Benn was Da man!

Agreed.

What I liked most was his not give a damn attitude and exciting brawl like style.

I didnt know about the suicide attempt what was that about?

Phenomenal-Nutrition wrote:I didnt know about the suicide attempt what was that about?

According to Benn he tried to gas himself in a car when at a very low ebb. The hose pipe connected to the exhaust fell out three times, which he took as a sign it was not his time to die.

It was an excellent documentary and gave insight into the origins of the warrior spirit in Benn.

Credit where credits due the BBC have done some outstanding Boxing documentarys over the years.

The one they did on Johnny Owen a few years back was one of the most moving pieces of TV I have seen in years.