Benn seeks ‘closure’ as he announces his return to boxing ring

NIGEL Benn said he is returning to boxing at the age of 55 to gain “closure” after being tormented by drug abuse, depression and the death of his brother during his career.

The ex-world champion, who revealed he suffered suicidal thoughts before turning to Christianity just over 10 years ago, has announced a one-off bout against Sakio Bika i n Birmingham on November 23.

Benn has not boxed professionally since 1996 but, having found peace, feels he has unfinished business due to his previous problems outside the ring.

“This fight is all about me. It wasn’t financial, it was always about closure that I wanted that I never had,” said Benn.

“I suffered with a lot of issues in my life from a young age, from 1972 when my brother died, the murder of my brother, which I carried through to my adult life.

“At the age of eight, I started smoking cigarettes to 41.

“I started doing ecstasy, smoking spliff all through my career but I suffered with depression.

“There’s not one fight that I went through that I never suffered with. It was bugging me.

“I don’t know how I got that far to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and voted the best super-middle in history along with Joe Calzaghe by the WBC.

“I was in a dark place for so many years. There was no joy,” he said.

“And then, i n about 2008, I had an encounter with Jesus, That’s when my life changed, truly changed. As soon as I had that encounter, no spliffing, no ecstasy, no women, absolutely nothing.”

Nigel Benn is ready to box again.