"TO fight for a world championship is just dreams really."

It is 25 years to the day that York boxer Henry Wharton stepped into the ring for his first attempt at the world super-middleweight title - and the legacy of that epic fight still lives on.

"Our Henry" went the distance that day on February 26, 1994 against the great Nigel Benn, even putting the Dark Destroyer on the canvas in the fifth round - the only time either boxer was knocked down during the 12 rounds. Wharton, though, lost on a unanimous points decision.

While still clearly disappointed with the outcome, the 51-year-old is these days able to reflect on the legacy of the bout, one which he hopes can inspire youngsters regardless of their background.

It was, after all, one of the best bouts during truly heady days for British boxing.

"It was a massive occasion for us all to fight for a world championship with where I come from - with where everyone comes from," said Wharton.

"To fight for a world championship is just dreams really.

"I was in awe of the occasion, from coming out in front of two or three thousand people, to 20,000 people, with the world media watching - and against someone like Nigel Benn, the most feared man in the world of boxing. He was a phenomenal athlete, the 'KO king', he could take you out with either hand.

"I wanted to win it, and I wouldn't have had it any other way."

Wharton was 26 when he stepped into the ring against Benn at London's Earl's Court.

His deference towards the Dark Destroyer in the early rounds is probably what cost him, before came out strongly around the fourth and, by the end of the fifth, had sent Benn to the deck.

That was where, as the Evening Press reported: "Benn recognised he was in a fight and had to summon all his nous and nastiness to fend off Wharton, who finished the stronger.

"By the final bell the Dark Destroyer was virtually out on his dazzling-white boxing boots.

"He later confessed that he could not have gone any further."

Wharton's take on events matched that of the pundits. He said: "I was young and got caught up early on and I never opened up until I had him down. If we had a rematch, I would have come out a lot quicker.

"The fifth round, I came out faster but the bell ended it and unfortunately I wasn't able to take that round on. Another 30 seconds to a minute, I would have had him out of there.

"After the fight, there should have been an automatic rematch. I investigated all the judges' scorecards and they all had me as winning over the last eight rounds. But because I gave him the lead, he didn't have to box standing in front of me.

"Before I came out, everything was like what I'd done before. But in front of 20,000 people, it's not just a normal fight.

"If you're experienced, you don't let it control you, but I was young and I think I did let it control me. It wasn't that I didn't belong there but that was my first one (Wharton later fought Chris Eubank and Robin Reid for the world title) and it seemed a bit before my time - or maybe I got my plans wrong.

"People said, 'Henry's come on strong towards the end after he knocked him down'. If it had been 15 rounds, I would have won, but also if I'd started a little sooner.

"In the past, people got another go, but I didn't. If I'd made him fight more and unleashed, I think I would have had the beating of him."

As Wharton spoke at his gym in Acomb, two of his promising young fighters appeared, just a few years younger than when he faced Benn.

With four belts and medals slung around his neck is Nathan Shepherd, while clubmate George Davey is laden down with seven. Wharton is sure the pair will go far.

"It was a great occasion," Wharton added of his title fight. "Not only for me, but for the city - the city is flourishing now with boxers. You only need one to make that step further and another to say, 'He's taken it on, why can't we?'

"I hope I have helped young fighters to believe they can do it, go a few steps further and stick at it.

"If it never happens for a city like ours you can think it's only for big cities, but now we know it happens.

"With our gym, we take youngsters all over the world winning things we're not supposed to win, and it makes people think, 'If he can do it, why can't we?'

"That can only be a good thing. Why not us?

"I'm happy with what I did, really proud.

"A lot of people can't get past the journeyman stage. Boxing is a hard sport and to take on the best in the world and beat most of them - I never would have dreamed I'd get that far.

"I'm a product of what I teach - dedication and belief. We teach all the right stuff, and to believe in yourself. It bodes well for the future because people see if we can do it, they've got a chance."