28 years ago

Date: 2nd March 1996

Venue: Telewest Arena, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear

Title: WBC World Super-middleweight Title

Promoter: Queensberry Promotions

Tv: Sky Sports (UK) Showtime (USA)

Nigel Benn
( 42 - 2 - 1 )
Weight: 166¾ lbs

Thulani Malinga
( 40 - 9 - 0 )
Weight: 165¾ lbs

On Saturday 2nd March 1996, the Telewest Arena in Newcastle played host to the WBC World Super-middleweight Title fight between Nigel Benn and Thulani Malinga. Benn was the defending champion, having won the title against Mauro Galvano in October 1995. Malinga, on the other hand, was a seasoned veteran with a record of 40 wins and 9 losses.

The pair had met previously in 1992 when Benn won a contentious 10-round decision at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

The fight was a closely contested affair throughout the twelve rounds. Benn was the aggressor, constantly pressing forward and throwing heavy punches, but Malinga was able to counter effectively and land some damaging blows of his own. As the fight wore on, it became clear that it was going to be a close call.

In the end, it was Malinga who emerged victorious, winning by a split decision. Two of the judges scored the fight 115-113 in Malinga's favour, while the third judge scored it 116-113 for Benn. The decision was met with a mixed reaction from the crowd, with some fans believing that Benn had done enough to retain his title.