WBC unites Richie Woodhall and Nigel Benn

Former WBO and long-standing WBC super middleweight champion Benn was the feature attraction at Scott Murray's Bar Sport in Cannock Town Centre.

'The Dark Destroyer' engaged in a question and answer session for over 300 guests staged by Woodhall last night, who later went on to claim those WBC honours, writes Craig Birch.

Benn defeated Thulani Malinga for his second world title reign and held his position for four years, making nine defences, before losing it back to 'Sugar Boy' in 1996.

Italian Vincenzo Nardiello snatched the strap from him before losing it to Brit Robin Reid, with Malinga then returning to reclaim his crown.

Woodhall, a bronze medallist at the 1988 Olympics, dethroned Malinga on points during a night to remember at the Telford Ice Rink two years later.

The 47-year-old reigned with the belt for a further 19 months, losing it to Markus Beyer over-the-distance in his third defence, having outpointed Glenn Catley and Nardiello.

The Shropshire ring great is now a respected ring voice as a popular pundit for Sky Sports, but doesn't regret he never got to take on Benn!

He said: "I always looked up to Nigel as a great fighter and, when we were amateurs, he was a full international while I was on the young team.

"I never sparred him, though, even though we were on the same squads. He had turned pro before I went to the Olympics in 1988.

"I ended up winning his title, which was an honour, but I was glad I wasn't around when he was the champion!

"He was a phenomenal and ferocious puncher, so it would have been very difficult. It's all about timing - that's the way boxing is."

Londoner Benn, now 51 and a born-again Christian, is now living in Australia and is back on our shores for a month for his UK tour, before heading back down under on May 10.

He said: "It's a lovely country, I have been there for two-and-a-half years now and it's been a fantastic experience.

"As much as it's nice to be home, I won't be coming back here to live, ever! I am enjoying the quiet life over there.

"It's family time for me now, my wife Carolyne and my kids are over there with me and it's great."