Nigel Benn knocked down opponent three times to become world champion for first time

Nigel Benn defeated Doug DeWitt in 1990 in Atlantic City

After being victorious against Sanderling Williams in January of 1990, Benn would compete for a world title just three months later. He would go into the bout with a 25-1 record.

Competing in Atlantic City, Benn would challenge then-champion Doug DeWitt, a former opponent of Thomas Hearns. The American was the WBO World Middleweight champion, with a professional record of 32-6-4.

Despite being the winner of the inaugural WBO title, he would drop the belt to Benn in his home country.

Scoring a finish in round eight, Benn had been up on the scorecards at the time of the finish. However, the then-26-year-old was able to add a highlight to his performance.

Although the champion would be able to survive two knockdowns from Benn, a third was too many to continue the fight. The bout was waved off, as Benn became a champion for the first time.

DeWitt would fight three more times in his career after the loss. His final bout would be a loss to James Toney, also in Atlantic City.

As for Benn, he would attempt to defend his new title four months later in August 1990.

Nigel Benn defended his world title in one-round war

Benn’s first title defense would come against Iran Barkley. ‘The Blade’ had a professional record of 25-6, as Barkley was coming off losses to Roberto Duran and Michael Nunn.

Benn vs Barkley is considered to be one of the greatest opening rounds in boxing history as the champion defended his title in a fire-fight.

Both fighters were hurt in the opening minutes of the fight, however, Benn would deliver a finishing blow before the round concluded. After a third knockdown for Barkley, the fight was automatically called as Benn was the victor.

In his second attempted title defense, Benn would drop his title to rival Eubank in their first meeting.