Nigel Benn misplaced to fellow British boxing legend Chris Eubank Sr in 1990 earlier than a contentious draw three years later.
Greater than three a long time on, he’s by his son’s facet because the jovial pair joke with the staff. It is an actual household affair, with Benn’s sisters and cousin additionally becoming a member of him in camp.
Having spent 12 years of his childhood in Mallorca, Benn speaks fluent Spanish to the locals within the gymnasium.
When the coaching session begins, nonetheless, the laughter stops. There’s noticeable shift in mindset – an indication of simply how critical Benn is approaching this struggle.
He says he’s “leaving no stone unturned” as he fights for the household title – and to show his personal price – on this bloodline rivalry.
“I’ve acquired a chip on my shoulder about [people] saying I am the nepo child, that I had it simple,” he provides.
However that is not about fathers. Benn’s status amongst boxing followers has been stained.
Though he has been cleared to struggle by an anti-doping panel, they really feel he ought to be extra clear in regards to the causes behind the failed take a look at.
Benn says he has been “cleared 3 times” and is reluctant to dwell on the previous.
Nigel, in the meantime, speaks extra brazenly in regards to the affect it had on them each, saying £1m was spent on the authorized battles.
The previous super-middleweight champion says he isn’t a drinker however would devour “half a bottle of pink wine each night time” in the course of the interval as his psychological well being points worsened, whereas his son turned to remedy to get by the darkish occasions.
“I used to be watching my son actually crying in my arms, heartbroken. I simply knew [he was innocent],” Nigel provides.
“As a result of [if he was] I’d let the general public know, I would say, ‘Mate, yeah, sorry mate, he is performed this’. However I do know he hasn’t and I’ll stand with my son.”
