Friday 13 November 2020 10:28, UK
Conor Benn getting knocked down for the first time in his professional career is the best thing that could have happened to him, says Johnny Nelson.
The 'Destroyer' was floored twice by Cedrick Peynaud in a sensational opening round at York Hall, but came back to return the compliment before edging a points win over six explosive rounds.
Benn, whose eyes were badly swollen after the bruising battle, admitted it was a "massive learning experience" and Nelson was pleased to see the 21-year-old go through the mire for the first time in 11 fights.
This was going to happen and all these things are what a fighter has to go throw to be a fully-rounded, accomplished fighter. He had to test himself, test his desire and test his bottle
"I bet his dad (Nigel) was watching and sitting there saying 'good, that was the best thing that could happen', because I myself believe that was the best thing that could happen to him too," said Nelson.
"Now he will go back and he now knows he's going through stages
"Eddie (Hearn) took the stabilisers off for him to box out in America, to perform and we thought right, he's performing now he's got to get thrown in.
"This was going to happen and all these things are what a fighter has to go throw to be a fully-rounded, accomplished fighter.
"He had to test himself, test his desire and test his bottle."
Nelson and The Panel had earlier this week drew comparisions between Conor and his two-weight world champion-winning dad, Nigel, and it was there for all to see on Wednesday night.
Nigel Benn was renowned for all-action style and the four-knockdown war at York Hall underlined the unavoidable similarities.
"I am the only one out of you lot who can remember when his dad went in with Anthony Logan (October 1988) and he put him under pressure, had him on the ropes and caught him with a shot," said Nelson.
"But he came back let a shot go, put him down and we were shocked, everyone in York Hall stood up tonight, the way they did back then with the dad.
"Conor showed some fundamental flaws because he's not got that amateur pedigree but what he said, his heart got him through that. His heart did everything in there."
