BOXING: Nigel Benn V Michael Watson - Classic British Battles

The 'Dark Destroyer' meets 'The Force'
21 / 05 / 89
@ The Super Tent, Finsbury Park, London, United Kingdom
Referee: John Coyle
Commonwealth (British Empire) Middleweight title

[@benbirch2393]

Watson was a 1st class technician. Timing, accuracy, defence, power... an absolute joy to watch. And I'm a benn fan

[@rfurdaylee]

Yup not many gave Benn a boxing lesson. But Watson did that night. Would have loved to have seen Benn v Tony Sibson.

[@oscarcat80]

Great call Benn v Sibson, added that one to my list of fantasy fights

[@rfurdaylee]

@@oscarcat80 ✌️👍

[@puttypiss]

Absolutely...Watson had what Benn didn,t have at that particular time...Benn was crash bang wallop excitement but Watson was a sublime boxing technician and he schooled Benn that night but i think in the long run it did Benn the world of good.

[@matthazelby506]

And avoided nobody....Eubank Sr,Benn?

[@mrtibbz10]

Watson without a doubt one of the best technically gifted boxers britains ever had.

[@russellhamer5467]

Gifted .. absolutely ...

[@garymott8745]

I agree love micheal Watson

[@ashleelmb]

No chance. He was good but he can't have been that technically gifted if he was beaten in round 12 by a physically exhausted Chris Eubank.

[@jamesvickers5998]

@@ashleelmb come on mate, firstly Eubank was a good fighter with plenty of guts (he was never the same after the Watson fight), and secondly at some point near the end of that fight he suffered a brain injury. Bit harsh to put him down on that basis.

[@ashleelmb]

@@jamesvickers5998 I didn't say he was crap. I acknowledged he was good. But one of the best technical boxers Britains ever had? Nah, no chance.

[@stikndip]

When men were men and boxing was on terrestrial TV.

[@russellhamer5467]

I remember when the early 90 s were Fight Night ... the roads would be empty as everyone was watching the fight!!!!!!

[@jasonmoody4219]

So these are the kind of men that turn you on?

[@stikndip]

@@jasonmoody4219 Would that upset you?

[@nimadeerawati7466]

@@russellhamer5467i

[@flynnterry9848]

Men were men in the ring in the 30s through to the 60s . Gotbitceasy today

[@davidlewis4162]

Warrior . After the fight straight to shake Michael Watsons hand . Great fighters pleasure to watch

[@markhemming318]

I love the way Watson rides the Benn storm in each round, then has it dies down, Watson takes the initiative with that beautiful jab. It's a lesson In the beauty of patience and accuracy.

[@JoeStunner]

Still remember 23 years later how this fight took my breath away. Amazing fight! Watson was superb that night, with a perfect game-plan.

[@mikemike5973]

I cant think of any recent fights that are as exciting as this!

[@bigdaddy4069]

It always amazed me that this fight was never talked about with legendary status. . . . . . . THE REFEREE NEVER HAD TO CALL BREAK ONCE !!!!! Amazing.

[@oscarcat80]

Thank you for uploading. Great display from Watson. High guard strong jab. Corner deserves credit for the tactical input.

[@BrugersUK]

These are the fights I watched as a kid, that set me on to being a lifelong boxing fan.

[@garymott8745]

Love micheal Watson.what a great skilled fighter he was..fantastic defensive fighter .God bless you micheal Watson..

[@paulanthony5274]

The referee doesn't have to seperate them once in this fight,very rare you see that

[@johncohen9800]

Not one single clinch in the whole fight.

[@billoddiea]

They actually know infighting. Today, it's all grabbing and holding.

[@stuartgold3602]

This fight always reminds me so much of Ali v Foreman. The flow of the fight and it's ending is so similar. Superb performance by Watson.

[@kevinmunday6263]

I absolutely agree

[@paulwilliams8389]

Interestingly Watson said he based his tactics for this fight on Ali's against Foreman.

[@krypticzisback]

Absolutely brilliant gameplan by Watson

[@JoeStunner]

Magnificent fight! I was on holiday in Italy at the time, and spent the following day - my 22nd birthday - running around Sorrento, trying to find an English paper so I could see the result.

[@francisjtuk]

Was so impressed with Watson's composure and skills at the time. I thought Benn was like a mini-Tyson but he met his Douglas here.

[@Hugh_Morris]

Wow Michael Watson was a great conventional boxer, he proved that solid skills and fundamentals beat brute force on this night.

[@gordonferrar7782]

It's the fight that changed Nigel's perspective.

[@1man1bike1road]

true and i bet watson was pissing blood after this fight benn certainly had ferocious power

[@MrDontfeedthematrix]

reminds me of Andre Ward. He was a talent.

[@francishegarty8087]

@@1man1bike1road Why do you reckon Watson was pissing blood ? Can you not see quite clearly how good he was in this fight and fathom how strong he was? Watson was and still is, a very underated fighter even though he was clearly better than Benn and Eubank and just returning to your comment , if the Ref didn't stop this when he did, Benn would have been pissing blood from all over his face after been sparked right out.

[@PIRANHA_MAN]

@@francishegarty8087 how was he better than Eubank. Eubank messed him up

[@VinnieBoombatz374]

Ali Foreman replay. The fight that made me love counterpunchers.

[@rosie-meibinstead4823]

I was at this fight still best I have ever witnessed the crowd was 50/50 in a tent in Finsbury Park the atmosphere electric every punch landed sent showers of sweat into the lights around the ring round 4 both men hurt and fought back wow! Went as a Ben fan and left with the upmost respect for Watson followed both of their careers and tragedies wish them both all the best and thanks for the most exciting night of my life

[@kevinheffernan4439]

Michael Watson..poetry in motion

[@trickpatdolla5329]

A prime example of skill and tactics trumping athleticism and aggression. What a fight!

[@paulanthony5274]

Early raw Benn before he went with vic andretti..

[@martytdd1606]

In Benn's book he mentioned spending all day in the barbers getting that hair do when he should have been preparing for the fight properly. He said that the braids were pulled far too tight and his scalp was almost ripping. Every time Watson punched him the pain was excrusiating. Lesson learned!

[@skinnyman1434]

Marty TDD Wow, don't hear that one very often. But too tight braids can make simple things like looking over your shoulder almost tear worthy.

[@davidcopson5800]

Hair apparent.

[@ZEP0034]

The best era In middleweight boxing ever by a mile.

[@TylerVanner]

Oh and Watson was a local to me after his injury. He would often be seen around Chingford east London. He is a total gent.

[@themanftheworld8439]

Watson schooled Benn.

[@adamlees4496]

This was the fight that made Nigel.he realised that steaming in and using up all his nervous energy is suicide against a master boxer.he went back to basics and worked on improving his conditioning and setting up his attacks better.michael was brilliant and proved here and against eubank he could mix it with the best.michael won the first eubank fight in most people's eyes and was seconds away from winning the second before tragedy struck.

[@drahcirnevarc9152]

Absolutely correct.

[@keithcampbell6806]

Very accurate indeed.

[@gazmase6134]

James toney would of played with all them

[@mattwebb5276]

@@gazmase6134 yeah and lost aswell 🙄 he never fought men like this mate trust me !!!!!

[@mattwebb5276]

It was a brutal uppercut that struck tbh and my god was it a bomb 😳😳😳😳

[@colinoneil7714]

Eubank said he learnt about boxing when he fought Watson and was devistated by the what happened when they fought. Eubank always held back from that moment.

[@TheIkaraCult]

Michael Watsons greatest night, a hero in the ring and an even bigger hero outside the ring.

[@McElhinney65]

This was one of the finest displays on defensive boxing and counterpunching that I've ever seen. Watson took most of Benn's bombs on his elbows and open gloves then when Benn was weary he finished him in superb style. I'm a massive Nigel Benn fan but on the night Michael fought the fight of his life.

[@benbirch2393]

Took the words put of my mouth couldn't have said it better 👏

[@ceme]

Good display of what I love about Benn, you can have him hurt, back against the ropes looking like he's about to get finished and he's just like "NO!!!" an just fires back and pushes them back into the ring with an assault that if lands clean would stop many good fighters! Brilliant!

[@peterstubbs5934]

Benn... great on the offensive but if he cant get you out of there, he folds. My mate put him on his arse outside a Camberley night club when he gobbed off. A bit before he came on the boxing scene but still a great story. Michael Watson.. what a gent. No trash talking, just get in there and do it. Invalided by Eubank in a fight that Watson was winning by a large margin. Lucky Eubank, boxing can be so cruel........

[@francishegarty8087]

So true mate and love your honesty, Benn was a banger but if he couldn't bang out his opponents early, he struggled, especially V stronger opponents, his record of 1 draw and 1 win V Collins 2 times, Eubanks, 2 times, Malinga, 2 times and Watson 1, with 5 defeats, speaks for itself imo. He didn't KO any of these and never decked any of them either and he was stopped in 4 of these 7 fights also.

[@francishegarty8087]

@@peterstubbs5934 I also agree with you 100% about Watson, he was brilliant and don't get the excuses from Benn fans. He beat Eubanks quite clear in the 1st fight and had him beat hands up until that upper cut which changed everything, I liked Watson and just wish people would give him the credit he so richly deserved.

[@paulanthony5274]

Yeah but this is the early Benn,you can clearly see that he still hasn't developed his skills like he did with vic andretti.

[@martytdd1606]

@@francishegarty8087 Come on buddy, you're not being entiry accurate. You should be comparing the best version of the man to the fighters that he lost to. Great fighters learn and continue from there, this fight was a massive learning experience for Benn. The man beat some strong awkward dudes, not even on 90%. The Benn from 1991-1995 could've beaten any super middle bar none!

[@malarki5]

This 'defeat' by Watson was literally the making of Nigel Benn!

[@scottflaherty5153]

Watson,benn,eubank LEGENDS

[@davidcopson5800]

Indeed.

[@FreddyTams]

You forgot Gerald Mccellan... Was left brain damaged by Nigel Benn. Legends of same Era

[@millenniumstreamer]

Watson could even beatan froch and calzghe

[@keithcampbell6806]

As aformer ref lhad only reached eight. The count was fast but l dont think that would've made any difference Watson was superb that night l still love him and wish him all the best.

[@Balraj.G.]

Memories! Beautifully put by Reg Gutteridge ‘the big hitter has been hit’. These were both incredible talented fighters and Benn was blowing everyone away at this point, Micheal Watson was such an all round fighter and showcased it against Benn. Unfortunately we never got to see the best of him but I still feel he beat Chris Eubank Snr in both Fights! Unfortunately the second fight caused him serious damage so he couldn’t finish the fight but he definitely outboxed Benn and Eubank! ✊🏽✊🏽

[@pnmusic6206]

when Benn got hit by that right hand he was like "hold on a minute, that shit hurt...let me walk it off for a sec" Lol

[@eli7577]

Benn was my favourite fighter back in the days growing up as a kid but im not ashamed to say he got torn a new one against watson.

[@Yurg99]

Benn had two choices after this fight, carry on and get beat at the highest level or learn more and become a star. This fight made the Benn we loved ✌️

[@joeblow2069]

Watson is one of the few men on earth who could spend a lot of time on the ropes and survive Nigel Benn. Benn's power, speed and variety of punches would normally take a man apart who fights with his back to the ropes.

[@michaeljay3846]

Michael Watson , Crown and Manor's finest , what a boxer , I remember this night like it was yesterday . Michael was the best boxer in our boys club back in the 80s , what a humble man . Sick that he ended up disabled . A great great shame as he was a brilliant boxer . Made all of us proud from Islington that he beat Benn on this night .

[@adon31997]

Watson was a great boxer. I like the way he covers his face with the open glove. Good speed and power!

[@gunay205]

Best British fight of the 80s hardly ever talked about both Benn and Watson were magnificent!!!

[@nickafcb78]

Great fight. Watson's finest hour. Benn knew after this fight that he had to change his style and learn new tricks if he was to become a world champion. He did and became one of Britain's best and favourite boxer's.

[@AlexDeLarge77]

Both have the hearts of lions. I don't say this lightly but I think both these men would of given their lives not lose.

[@6galaxy]

What a great strategy by Watson! he knew what was coming and had the displine to stick to his plan.

[@martinhill9261]

Watson was a beautiful boxer

[@jimwatson6833]

One of best fights I've seen and the referee brilliant not once did he split them up..

[@breaknrun]

Unpopular opinion... Watson is top 5 British boxers in his division

[@stevewhitaker1705]

Watson was a great warrior so sad his career ended so cruel much respect

[@jaylb5760]

watson was class no two ways was gutted when he got hurt the way he did, but benn improved a hell of a lot after this fight

[@Dazlingmagic]

Amazing! Benn was a real favourite of mine but Michael Watson really was something special!

[@thami7044]

My god never knew the Brits were so destructive one of the best fights I have seen Nigel Benn is a warrior

[@H.K.5]

Gerald McClellan would destroyed Benn inside of 3 rounds if he fought like this. The Benn who fought McClellan and Barkley was much smarter then this one.

[@joephil9]

True

[@johnmc3862]

He just adjusted tactics. McClellan nearly destroyed him in round one.

[@hyperhybrid7230]

What a record NB (Nigel Benn) 22 victories 22 ko 's , bravo MW ( Miichael Watson) great performance.. North London, Finsbury Park, Manor House, Turnpike Lane, Wood Green, Bounds Green. My memories of underground stations. 5 years study in London 86-91.

[@sgreavett]

What a great fight, the entertainment value from these two boxers is priceless!!

[@mattmacolan1388]

Watson boxed absolutely beautifully in this bout. VERY impressive performance

[@garymott8745]

It was the pinnacle of skillfull tactfully planned and perfectly executed almost the perfect strategy to beat Benn.. micheal Watson a great human being and a gent

[@michaelmcfadden4397]

My Uncle's friend fought Michael Watson and got knocked out in 8 seconds. There were no silky skills THAT night.

[@McElhinney65]

And hats off to Nigel for losing with such good grace.

[@paulwilliams8389]

He had bad mouthed Watson a bit in the run up to this fight (probably just to hype the fight up in fairness) but showed great respect to him afterwards and in the years that followed.

[@nightnurse4352]

❤❤❤ what true😮 sportsmanship loved how they were at the end but what a fight one love from us all Manchester England xx one to remember

[@user-kq5qp6dh8l]

Had a good mate in Tottenham that Was a good mate of Watson. Talked to him a few times, watson s A natural gent, really nice, polite man. My mate used to rave about him, keep your eye on him, he will be world champion in the future he used to say. I remember going past the tent on the day in my work van but had shift work or i would have been there.

[@MrMerseyblue]

A classic case of the boxer vs the brawler. Watson had the perfect plan for him. Great fight.

[@TopTurfTV]

A picture perfect performance from Watson. Beautiful jab and footwork and great counter punches throughout . Benn blew his gasket.

[@mazklassa9338]

Extraordinary fight. They don't often come like this one.

[@yasirsennahai4768]

The way Benn walks over to Watson immediately after he's been beaten, to acknowledge Watson's supremacy is pure class. When Watson fought Eubank in the ill-fated rematch, Benn was in the crowd cheering on Michael.

[@stevieh9860]

I had forgotten what a terrific contest this was. 2 men at the top of their game, never giving an inch. Benn was awesome, Watson better. Obviously what happened to Watson was appalling, but at this stage he was some bloody fighter!

[@ian40]

I was there ! 'Clown' Johnny Nelson and Kirkland laing were on the undercard. a scary experience walking back to the car

[@johnniethepom7545]

From my experience of London in the 90's , you were lucky the wheels were still on it !

[@richardlazenby2046]

I remember this fight. Actually on NBC sportsworld.

[@kevinkendall3122]

Same here,Benn 22-0 22 Kos wow,accepted loss with class though🥊

[@davidlee3670]

back in the day before Watson beat beat Benn he used to stand in the terraces at arsenal he was an avid gooner met him a few times knew him through boxing HE WAS VERY COURTIOUS AND UNASSUMMIMG great man and boxer no one knew of him and his talents aoart from true boxing fans after he he took Benn apart he could no longer stand in the terraces its a shame as he loved being amongst the crowd but every one knew him now

[@asdfghjklkjhvbvcvjhvlyhb9957]

One of the great matches in boxing history. I remember watching it and admiring the hell out of Watson`s class skills and toughness to survive an onslaught from Benn which would have felled anyone else. The equals of Leonard Duran Hagler etc. It made what happened to Michael later on all the more upsetting.

[@ian40]

Reg Gutteridge and Jim Watt, great commentary

[@johnniethepom7545]

Jim Watt was the most biased commentator that ever called a fight on British television . He spoiled many a good fight for me . Having said that this was probably his best commentary ever .

[@unionjakjakson]

Never forget this fight. I was out on a first date in Sheffield with a bird i had fancied for a while. So i was trying to be super attentive to her, but could not take my eyes away from what was unfolding on the tv in the top corner of the pub. Unbelievable boxing. Sadly the date did not impress my female companion & there was no second night out. But at least i have memories of two awesome boxers, even if it cost me a chance, that night, of a happy ending!!

[@tonmisty]

Golden era of great fighters on the domestic scene.

[@JackAcid]

The first Nigel Benn fight I ever watched ! And WHAT a fight to be introduced to the sport! I'll never forget how Watson KOd Benn with a jab!!

[@McElhinney65]

Classy acceptance of defeat at the hands of the better man by Nigel.

[@tempusfugit9796]

I was there with my missus. Great atmosphere!!

[@TOSILENCE77]

My God I fogot what a great fight this was. 6 round war. Love both these guys, all heart.

[@malcolmcarpet]

Fair play to Benn after this defeat he shaved his pony tail off, changed his trainer and went back to basics and learned his craft.

[@andrewsylv8248]

Watson has the tenacity and mental resilience to overcome any fighter

[@briangreaves2442]

watson is the best boxer i have ever seen if he was a heavy waite he be champion of the world in no time

[@soulveiw]

I've never seen anyone spell heavyweight like that before

[@wayneholnes7414]

Hahaha!

[@Troygraham4937]

Brian Greaves did see the Watson vs MCCALLUM fight?

[@davidcopson5800]

@@soulveiw Wait a minute, nor have I.

[@johnniethepom7545]

@@Troygraham4937 Mike McCallum was one of the craftiest boxer ever to lace up gloves . The moniker ' body snatcher ' was well deserved . McCallum and Toney are certainly in my top 20 GOAT's .

[@nigelbase1196]

Michael Watson...a world champ we should of had!😟

[@paulwilliams8389]

I still say he should have got the decision in that first fight with Eubank - he was robbed of a world title that night.

[@jakasundana1203]

Watson had a better gameplan, his tightened double cover protect him from benn hard hitting. Watson himself has a clean and sharp punch that hurt benn

[@Kenany1985]

My dad it's his main coach not others showed up in corner of the ring. My dad outside corner of the the ring. My dad told him when he was 13 years old one day you going to be world champion and he did. His here at my home but stupid phone not connects to TV I don't know why. It wasn't like this before, it did connect it. He asked me to put this match on.

[@ronm3945]

Benn totally furious in this fight but watson a masterclass in counter punching in perhaps his finest win

[@SOGtv-76]

It's amazing how Eubank beat both.

[@12arsenal21]

He lost the first time to Watson if we’re being honest and was losing the second till the lucky punch and also Watson admittedly tiring

[@roystonhesketh3987]

Watson fantastic in this fight. Took all Benn's best and then comes back with great shots of his own.

[@6galaxy]

Great fight and was on free TV

[@johnniethepom7545]

Those were the days .

[@Strabbs12345]

A much forgotten classic! They don't make em like they used too!

[@RoadmanRob8]

Watson has the same style as mayweather. Pure tenical. Doesn’t waste punchs

[@drahcirnevarc9152]

I watched this fight live on tv in my livingroom in Stoke Newington. Too many haymakers against a high guard, Nigel.

[@rentaghostokish5628]

I miss fights like this...boxing fvckin sucks today

[@jeffallinson8089]

Benn was schooled although this defeat was the making of him.

[@jakasundana1203]

Sometimes Benn pretended to be hurt and back off and when opponent attack they forget to protect themself...but Watson seem know this strategy and always keep his both hand rise to make double cover

[@lukebullen705]

He definitely was hurt in this fight though there's no poker face on show here

[@Steve_D1974]

Great basics are hard to beat. Tight guard and a stiff jab, coupled with great self belief and fitness

[@rc2869]

Watson was guts and heart. Benn was massive favourite for this but didn't prepare properly and Watson's folk had his tactics right.

[@arandomhawksupporter5624]

The beauty of a loss it holds the key to the next win benn did his homework and achieved the ultimate after this 🙏

[@jellyboy123]

he put Nigel Benn on his ass respect for Michael Watson good boxer.. i also liked his style

[@carrrexx7190]

5:58 "Mexican road sweepers." How rude, damn! 😷 lol

[@markwhittaker6866]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@adamlees4496]

I was there with my dad and the atmosphere in that supertent was white hot i can tell you.when Nigel went down off that jab we thought he'd slipped.we couldn't see a thing due to everyone jumping up when he went down and the next thing we knew it was over!.

[@melanitex1089]

Wow he completely tamed and neutralized him

[@Ram_1893]

In round 4 I Benn was started to lose control Congrats to Michael ❤🇹🇿🇬🇧

[@patrickcolon8809]

Prior to this fight, Nigel Benn was being touted as "The Middleweight Mike Tyson." At the time, Tyson was the undefeated, undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. And of course, Tyson would eventually be unanimously-elected to the Boxing Hall-of-Fame. After getting knocked out by Watson, Benn eventually won a portion of the Middleweight title (WBO) and Super-Middleweight title (WBC.)

[@RT-hh3vl]

Watson - the true boxer's boxer, university level lesson 'how to beat a monster'

[@adrianboyddodd8007]

Benn always made an easy nights work for refereees. In all of his fights it was down to business and the ref was largely a spectator.