Nigel Benn is hanging up the gloves for the final time… we hope. The Brit boxing icon, 55, has decided against returning to the ring to face Sakio Bika in England next month.
The former world middleweight and super-middleweight world champion was determined to end his legendary career on his own terms with one final bout, but couldn’t overcome shoulder injuries suffered in training camp.
“There was no way I was going to con British fight fans, who have been so good to me, by fighting when I’m not 100 percent fit,” Benn told The Sun. “I have been dreaming of a one-off fight for years and I’m heartbroken I have had to call it off. Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise.
Initially, Benn’s comeback topped social media timelines and inspired old fighters from Bernard Hopkins, Roy Jones Jr., and even Julio Cesar Chavez Sr to think about doing it one more time. Unfortunately for Benn, there will be no fairy tale ending to his career as Father Time once again remains undefeated. He did, however, “pass the baton” to his son Conor Benn, a rising welterweight prospect who remained undefeated (16-0) after a fourth-round knockout win over Belgian journeymen Steve Jamoye on the Prograis-Taylor card this past weekend.
