Nigel Benn comes out of retirement aged 53 for sensational rematch with rival Steve Collins… 21 years after their last fight

NIGEL Benn and Steve Collins have agreed a rematch despite a combined age of 105.

Irishman Collins, 52, beat 53-year-old Benn twice, with their second clash in 1996 sending the Londoner into retirement.

But they are expected to share a boxing ring for the third time in November or October, with Benn claiming he feels twenty years younger.

Benn said: “It’s about the final chapter. It’s about closure.

“I was going backwards and forwards with Chris and I thought: ‘I wouldn’t have a problem with Steve.’

“So I asked him if he wants to fight. He said yes. No mucking about.

“I’m not angry anymore and I can have everything I ever want.

“I am Nigel ‘Benjamin Button’ Benn. I feel like I am in my thirties.”

Collins revealed he was making his comeback for nothing more than a modern payday as he wants to buy more property.

The Celtic Warrior insists he has regular medicals that reveal he is in top shape which should allow him to get his boxing licence.

He said: “It’s just about money, a payday which will allow me to buy some more land,” he said.

“I have no problem for Nigel. I have a lot of respect. I like him.

“I am not fighting a 20-year-old-guy.

“I’m fighting someone the same age as me. There’s no disadvantage to anybody.

“I get medicals every year and the most impressive part is my MRI.

“‘Excellent’ was how the neurosurgeon described it. I’m very healthy and very fit.”

Both ageing fighters have sons now fighting in the professional ranks with Conor representing the Benn family on Saturday night at London’s O2.

Steve Collins Jnr is also making his way in the game with his father in his corner for guidance.

The paternal bound between the Benn fighters has been sealed with matching tattoos they have.

Conor has a tattoo on his neck reading ‘like father, like son’. Nigel has an identical one on his bicep.

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