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.

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.

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.

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?!