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LET'S GET IT ON!'

Nigel Benn vs Steve Collins: Safety is a concern, but this fight is STREETS more exciting than the Conor McGregor vs Floyd Mayweather fight

THE floodgates have well and truly opened with the announcement of the Floyd Mayweather versus Conor McGregor fight.

Then amazingly eight-weight world champ Manny Pacquiao was beaten by an unknown 17-fight former teacher from Brisbane in a huge huge shock to bring home that in boxing, like life, anything is possible.

Back in the 1990s Nigel Benn and Steve Collins went toe to toe in the ring - now they are set to fight once again
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Back in the 1990s Nigel Benn and Steve Collins went toe to toe in the ring - now they are set to fight once againCredit: PA:Press Association
Nigel Benn is now in the corner of his son Conor - but he is set to step into the ring himself once again
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Nigel Benn is now in the corner of his son Conor - but he is set to step back into the ring himselfCredit: PA:Press Association

Now is the time for outlandish fights, switching weight divisions and switching sports, at a time when the TV networks are constantly looking for new ideas to entertain.

And why should boxing be any different?

The latest match being mooted is the return to action of Irish and English boxing greats Steve Collins and Nigel Benn to fight in a third bout - 21 years since their last.

One could say it's life mimicking art after Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro's movie Grudge Match, where two old sluggers come back to settle old scores.

But this isn't really a grudge as Collins convincingly won both encounters, first by a fourth round stoppage then four months later a six-round retirement.

So what's the point? Money, of course, and why not.

SunSport's boxing columnist and former world champion Glenn McCrory believes the floodgates have opened in boxing
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SunSport's boxing columnist and former world champion Glenn McCrory believes the floodgates have opened in boxing
Steve Collins has said he wants a third fight against Nigel Benn - with money a big incentive as you'd expect
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Steve Collins has said he wants a third fight against Nigel Benn - with money a big incentive as you'd expectCredit: Getty Images
Nigel Benn was crushed in the two fights they had back in the 1990s - can he finally get his revenge
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Nigel Benn was crushed in the two fights they had back in the 1990s and is after revengeCredit: PA:Press Association

Benn, at 53 years old, prides himself on his tremendous condition and is still looking great hitting bags and pads.

And I'm sure the teak tough Irishman Collins, even at 52, has lost none of that fierce aggression which took him to world honours at middleweight and super-middleweight so many years ago.

I remember it so well, commentating on those great days of yesteryear when both ruled the world of boxing with pride and passion.

So should it happen? Obviously safety is the main concern. Collins collapsed in training forcing his retirement 20 years ago.

Floyd Mayweather is set for a return to the ring against Conor McGregor - and Glenn McCrory isn't a fan of the matchmaking
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Floyd Mayweather is set for a return to the ring against Conor McGregor - and Glenn McCrory isn't a fan of the cross-code matchmakingCredit: Getty Images
Conor McGregor is hoping to defeat a boxing legend in Floyd Mayweather
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Conor McGregor is hoping to defeat a boxing legend in Floyd MayweatherCredit: AP:Associated Press
Glenn McCrory has said safety will be an issue but that he is excited at the prospect of these two getting it on again
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Glenn McCrory is excited about a possible rematch but has said safety will be an issueCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Benn retired a year earlier after three consecutive losses, the last being that retirement to Collins.

But if both are passed by the strict boxing medical who should stop them? I for one would watch it.

There's only months between them in age and it will be streets more entertaining them the Floyd Mayweather vs McGregor farce. Lets get it on!

In fact I think I'll get my training shoes dusted off and might just give my old mate Johnny Nelson a ring, I've an old score to settle.

Where's Johnny?!

Conor McGregor is now undergoing an intensive training fight to take on Floyd Mayweather
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Conor McGregor is now undergoing an intensive training camp ahead of taking on Floyd MayweatherCredit: Instagram
Steve Collins, like old foe Nigel Benn, also trains his sons in the boxing game
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Steve Collins, like old foe Nigel Benn, also trains his sons in the boxing gameCredit: Getty Images
Glenn McCrory believes he could even lace up the gloves to fight old friend Johnny Nelson - the two never got it on in their heyday
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Glenn McCrory believes he could even lace up the gloves to fight old friend Johnny Nelson - the two never got it on in their heydayCredit: Action Images
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