The Dark Destroyer – aggression and excitement, Nigel Benn at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, January 1988. © Getty Images
The Dark Destroyer – aggression and excitement, Nigel Benn at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, January 1988. © Getty Images
Covering up – Watson took Benn’s best and then fired back. Watson beat Benn after the referee stopped the fight in the sixth round, Commonwealth Middleweight Championship, May 1989. © Bob Thomas/Getty Images
Down but not out, Benn floors Eubank. But the challenger came back stronger to defeat Benn in the ninth round. WBO Middleweight Championship at Birmingham NEC Arena, November 1990. © Bob Thomas/Getty Images
The pain in victory and defeat. Barry Hearn (promoter), Eubank and Benn, November 1990. © Michael Fresco/Evening Standard/REX
Neither man ready to give an inch, Eubank vs Benn, November 1990. © Brian Bould/Daily Mail/REX
The Eubank entrance was one of sport’s most iconic moments during the 1990s. Eubank defends the World Middleweight Championship at Earls Court defeating Watson for the first time, June 1991. © Bob Thomas/Getty Images
Eubank vs Watson, WBO Super Middleweight title fight at White Hart Lane, September 1991. © Getty Images
Eubank got the decision in the first fight against Watson, but the critics weren’t impressed. Eubank successfully defends WBO Championship at Earls Court, June 1991. © Mirrorpix
Eubank’s defining moment was quickly forgotten as Watson’s plight became apparent. Eubank vs Watson, WBO Super Middleweight Championship at White Hart Lane.
Eubank won the title after 12th round stoppage which left Watson with irreparable brain damage, September 1991. © Getty Images
Showing off – Eubank’s knockouts became rarer after the Watson tragedy. Eubank vs John Jarvis, WBO Super Middleweight title fight, G-Mex Leisure Centre, Manchester, April 1992. © Mirrorpix
Benn looks down at Lou Gent. Benn went on to win the title in the fourth round. WBC Super Middleweight World Championship at the Royal Albert Hall, June 1993. © Getty Images
Eubank’s attacks in the rematch were sporadic, but they convinced one judge he had done enough to win. © Andy Hooper/Associated Newspapers/REX
American invasion – Benn’s time in the USA was brief and successful. Courtesy of Ambrose Mendy
Boxing News didn’t think Eubank had beaten Graciano Rocchigiani – so he rang up the magazine and told them they were wrong. Author’s collection
Eubank’s first fight on Sky drew a negative reaction. Author’s collection
Benn proposes to the woman who helped transform his turbulent private life, Carolyne Jackson, after losing the WBC Super Middleweight title fight at Newcastle Arena, March 1996. © Getty Images
A fight between Benn and legend Roberto Duran was discussed, but never happened. Author’s collection
Eubank lost twice to cruiserweight Carl Thompson – but his bravery won over the hearts of many. Eubank lost on points after 12 rounds and then spent the night at Manchester Royal Infirmary. WBO Cruiserweight fight at Nynex Arena, Manchester, April 1998. © Mirrorpix
The greatest achievement: Michael Watson, partially paralyzed following the fight with Eubank, completes the 26th London Marathon, April 2003. © David Lobel/Icon SMI/Corbis
Together again. Benn, Watson and Eubank at the Michael Watson tribute dinner, Dorchester Hotel, September 2011. © Daily Mirror via Mirrorpix
