MARVELOUS Marvin Hagler, who wreaked havoc on the middleweights throughout the 80s, today sounded out an ominous warning to Nigel Benn.

The Dark Destroyer challenges Irishman Steve Collins, twice a conqueror of Benn's bitter rival Chris Eubank, for the WBO super middleweight title tonight at Manchester's Nynex Arena.

It is a make-or-break bout for Benn - defeat would almost certainly signal the end of his exciting and turbulent career.

Victory could prompt Eubank out of retirement to engage in one final mouthwatering clash.

Hagler, a former stablemate of Collins when "The Celtic Warrior" fought out of Brockton, Massachusetts under the Petronelli brothers, predicts a ferocious encounter.

But he believes that when the dust settles, Collins will be the man left standing.

"I sparred with Steve quite a bit back in Brockton and he's a real tough, strong guy," said Hagler, currently filming the final scenes of a movie in Italy. "His intensity has improved dramatically in recent fights - he just keeps on top of his opponents, from the opening bell until they fall.

"I wouldn't say he's a particularly lethal puncher. But the cumulative effect of his punches can be devastating.

"And Benn has had a question mark hanging over his chin for most of his career.

"I think Collins will win but he may have to dig deep to do it."

Benn's defeat by Sugarboy Malinga in March was firm evidence that he is on the slide, suggests Hagler, who himself betrayed signs of fading against John Mugabi in 1986.

One year later he finally fought Sugar Ray Leonard. But the old sharpness had left him and he lost a controversial split points decision. Hagler immediately retired and feels that Benn could have done himself a favour by doing the same after the Malinga defeat.

"It was not the old Benn in that ring against Malinga," said Hagler.

"He lacked that fire, that passion.

"And it's hard to get that back.

"I think Benn's been a great fighter - a very exciting fighter.

"But every dog has his day and Benn's is gone."

Hagler anticipates Benn being stopped around the 10th round.

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