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Steve Collins says he has now received a boxing licence and is keen to fight Nigel Benn again

Nigel Benn and Steve Collins battle it out in the first round of their WBO Super Middleweight fight at the Nynex Arena in 1996
Image: Steve Collins (L) claims to have received a boxing licence

Steve Collins' showdown with Nigel Benn appears to be getting closer after the 53-year-old Irishman said on Tuesday he has been issued with a licence to box.

Collins, who ended Benn's career after stopping the 'Dark Destroyer' in two successive fights in 1996, told Sky Sports in 2014 he would welcome a return to the ring against either Roy Jones Jr or Joe Calzaghe.

That never materialised but the 'Celtic Warrior' was approached by Benn this summer about a third contest between the pair.

"Nigel's camp are still serious about going ahead with it," Collins told talkSPORT.

9 Nov 1996: Steve Collins of Ireland (left) swings and misses Nigel Benn, with a left hook, during the Benn v Collins rematch at the Nynex Arena in Manches
Image: Collins ended Nigel Benn's career by stopping the Londoner in November 1996

"I've applied for my professional boxing licence which I have been successful in receiving.

"I'm now a licensed professional, if they come up with a deal and if the money is there it'll happen, I've no other reason to fight."

Benn, 53, had initially hoped to renew his rivalry with Chris Eubank, but a prospective rematch between the pair failed to materialise, forcing the former two-weight world champion to turn his attention to Collins.

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Collins is the only Irish fighter in history to hold world titles at two different weights.

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