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Both these guys held world titles in the middle weights for a considerable amount of time. Benn held the WBO Middleweight Title in 1990 and the WBC Super Middleweight Title from 1992 to 1996.
Eubank beat Benn for the World Middleweight Title in 1990 and held it until 91 when he dropped it to move up a weight in 91. He won the WBO Super Middleweight Title in 91 or 92 I think...then had a WBC/WBO Unification rematch with Benn in 93 which was another great fight, fought to a draw.
Eubank held his title until 95 when he lost it to Steve Collins (who also beat Benn, a year later).
Eubank and Benn had a big rivalry that was mainly built up by the media because they were both around their peak at the same time, at the same weight and were distinctly different characters. Benn made no secret of his dislike for Eubank's personality and as a result of these factors, their rivalry was really promoted in the media and captured the imagination of the British public...in fact, I think I heard their second fight in 93 was watched by a billion people throughout the world.
Eubank was retired by Joe Calzaghe in 1997, to whom he lost the title. But Calzaghe has said this was the toughest fight of his career.
However, neither of these guys ever went to America to fight....where big name opponents like Roy Jones, James Toney and Bernard Hopkins awaited.
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I never really knew much about the reasons as to why neither of these went to America. I would have thought that after their fight in 1990 Eubank would have strongly considered going over there...and Benn too. They could have made a lot of money.
As a result I wonder how well known Benn and Eubank are in the States and whether or not they are given credit for being two of the best middleweight and supermiddleweight fighters from about 1989-1997.
I'd like to know more about how well known they were in America and what factors prevented them from ever competing over there. I think either men could have given the top American middleweights of the time a good run for their money.
Either way, their rivalry was great for British boxing.
Eubank beat Benn for the World Middleweight Title in 1990 and held it until 91 when he dropped it to move up a weight in 91. He won the WBO Super Middleweight Title in 91 or 92 I think...then had a WBC/WBO Unification rematch with Benn in 93 which was another great fight, fought to a draw.
Eubank held his title until 95 when he lost it to Steve Collins (who also beat Benn, a year later).
Eubank and Benn had a big rivalry that was mainly built up by the media because they were both around their peak at the same time, at the same weight and were distinctly different characters. Benn made no secret of his dislike for Eubank's personality and as a result of these factors, their rivalry was really promoted in the media and captured the imagination of the British public...in fact, I think I heard their second fight in 93 was watched by a billion people throughout the world.
Eubank was retired by Joe Calzaghe in 1997, to whom he lost the title. But Calzaghe has said this was the toughest fight of his career.
However, neither of these guys ever went to America to fight....where big name opponents like Roy Jones, James Toney and Bernard Hopkins awaited.
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I never really knew much about the reasons as to why neither of these went to America. I would have thought that after their fight in 1990 Eubank would have strongly considered going over there...and Benn too. They could have made a lot of money.
As a result I wonder how well known Benn and Eubank are in the States and whether or not they are given credit for being two of the best middleweight and supermiddleweight fighters from about 1989-1997.
I'd like to know more about how well known they were in America and what factors prevented them from ever competing over there. I think either men could have given the top American middleweights of the time a good run for their money.
Either way, their rivalry was great for British boxing.
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