Former world champion Nigel Benn visits boxing academy

Benn, now 52, was in town for a sportsman’s evening at Mansfield Town’s One Call Stadium and spent the whole afternoon at the Bradder Way academy to show his support for grassroots boxing.

Head coach Julian Leivars said: “As a massive fan of Nigel, I jumped at the chance for him to come down and meet some of the kids who box here and have his photo taken with them.

“He also got his wraps on, gloved up and spent four rounds on the pads. His timing and speed were unbelievable. He still possesses the power and the engine that took him to world titles. He even took each boxer on the pads for full three-minute rounds. He was in the gym for two hours and gave all the kids priceless advice.”