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Nigel Benn - The Dark Destroyer: I've Had Some Good Rucks in the Ring but I've had Some Even Better Ones in the Street
NIGEL BENN is a powerhouse among boxers. Known to his fans as the Dark Destroyer, his first 22 professional fights ended with him knocking out all his opponents - half of them before the first round was over. In this book, Nigel Benn tells it like it is. From the grim days he spent in the army in Northern Ireland, to his notorious battle with Chris Eubank. From the women of his past - including the girl who took his virginity when he was just twelve-years-old and the numerous women he has romanced since - to the love and support he has now found with his wife Carolyne and his adored children. He also reveal the truth about the murky world of boxing politics, how the tragic death of his elder brother led him to psychotherapy and how the hypnotist Paul McKenna got his life back on track. From fighter to family man, this book explores the contrasts that make up the figure of a mighty world champion.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 2, 2016
First of all, I have to say, I cannot stand Nigel Benn. I find him arrogant, aggressive, brash and disrespectful. I have seen all his fights, seen him on reality and TV shows and know quite a bit about the man. So, when this book was recommended to me I was reluctant. I know quite a lot about boxers and boxing and regularly watch the sport, not just the big fights but also the up and coming fighters too. I had this book on my Kindle for a number of months and on one unusually slow afternoon, browsing through said Kindle, decided to read a couple of chapters. To my utter surprise I actually enjoyed it!
Most of it anyway.
There were moments where I found myself shaking my head and muttering, 'that's not a surprise coming from him', the way he treat the women in his life, how he could beat anyone he set eyes on, how everyone loved him blah, blah, blah.
Under the arrogant surface, however, I found a true family man. A man who, although had made mistakes, recognised them and asked for forgiveness. I admired the love he had for his wife and children and it was moments like that that turned the book from the usual drivel spouted by likewise autobiographies into an enjoyable read.
This book was (allegedly) penned by Benn back in 2000 and I had to smile to myself when he mentioned the fact that he didn't want his son, Conor, who was a baby at the time, becoming a boxer. Conor has just recently become a boxer, having fought his second fight just a few days ago.
With Chris Eubank's son, Chris Eubank Jr., also a boxer, albeit in a different weight class, the chances these two will meet up,like their fathers before them, is a good bet to gamble on. Benn - Eubank III anyone?
Most of it anyway.
There were moments where I found myself shaking my head and muttering, 'that's not a surprise coming from him', the way he treat the women in his life, how he could beat anyone he set eyes on, how everyone loved him blah, blah, blah.
Under the arrogant surface, however, I found a true family man. A man who, although had made mistakes, recognised them and asked for forgiveness. I admired the love he had for his wife and children and it was moments like that that turned the book from the usual drivel spouted by likewise autobiographies into an enjoyable read.
This book was (allegedly) penned by Benn back in 2000 and I had to smile to myself when he mentioned the fact that he didn't want his son, Conor, who was a baby at the time, becoming a boxer. Conor has just recently become a boxer, having fought his second fight just a few days ago.
With Chris Eubank's son, Chris Eubank Jr., also a boxer, albeit in a different weight class, the chances these two will meet up,like their fathers before them, is a good bet to gamble on. Benn - Eubank III anyone?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2013
Very easy to read and well paced book. Benn didn't comment that much on his fights with Eubank which was disappointing. Nevertheless an interesting read.
February 3, 2014
This was unput down able! Awesome! Totally hooked!
I live for boxing anyway but this was shocking, honest, and insightful!
I live for boxing anyway but this was shocking, honest, and insightful!
March 12, 2014
Fascinating insight into the life and times if the greatest British boxer of all time (in my opinion anyway). A true legend and this great book tells it warts and all
June 29, 2016
Great read
Brilliant book, great read. Any boxing fan would love this book, We should celebrate our British boxers, such as Nigel Benn
Brilliant book, great read. Any boxing fan would love this book, We should celebrate our British boxers, such as Nigel Benn
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
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