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Nigel Benn, the former WBO and WBC world champion famously dubbed “The Dark Destroyer” has never been short on confidence, owing to the countless nights of entertainment he gave to fans, but has recently spoken out on the one man he believes he could not beat.
Benn retired with a record of 42-5-1. He beat the likes of Gerald McClellan and Iran Barkley, and shared the squared circle with Michael Watson, Steve Collins, and Chris Eubank.
Nigel Benn Admits He Could Not Beat This Man
Speaking to Boxing Scene, Benn was asked how a fantasy fight between himself and Joe Calzaghe might have played out. His response was surprisingly candid:
“Joe struggled against nobodies. But when he stepped up in class to fight the likes of Jeff Lacy, for instance, he made them look like nobodies. I’d have loved him to have been around in my heyday. I’ll be honest enough to admit I think he would have beaten me” said Benn.
Calzaghe retired undefeated in 2008 with a perfect record of 46-0, including wins over Bernard Hopkins, Roy Jones Jr, Mikkel Kessler, and Eubank. Known for his incredible work rate, southpaw slickness, and tactical intelligence, Calzaghe has long been considered one of the most technically gifted fighters to emerge from the UK.
Though the pair never shared the ring, a bout between Benn and Calzaghe would’ve been a blockbuster all-British showdown.
And while Benn believes Calzaghe would have had the edge, he’s quick to remind fans that any victory would have been hard-earned, concluding his thoughts with “He’d have been in a fight though.”
