Gerald McClellan
| Gerald McClellan | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Gerald McClellan |
| Nickname(s) | The G-Man |
| Rated at | Middleweight |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | October 23, 1967 Freeport, Illinois, USA |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 34 |
| Wins | 31 |
| Wins by KO | 29 |
| Losses | 3 |
| Draws | 0 |
| No contests | 0 |
Gerald McClellan (born October 23, 1967 in Freeport, Illinois) is a former boxer from the United States of America, who was the WBO and WBC middleweight champion. McClellan's record as a professional boxer was 31 wins and 3 losses with 29 wins by knockout. He is rated #27 on Ring Magazine's list of 100 Greatest Punchers Of All-Time.[1]
Contents |
[edit] Boxing career
McClellan became a professional boxer in 1988. Trained by hall of fame trainer Emanuel Steward, he captured the WBO middleweight title by knocking out John Mugabi in one round in 1991, and the WBC's version by knocking out Julian Jackson in five rounds in May 1993. He defended the WBC title three times, including a first round stoppage of Jackson in a rematch. http://www.geraldmcclellan.com/
[edit] Benn vs McClellan
McClellan moved up in weight to challenge WBC super middleweight champion Nigel Benn in London on February 25, 1995. The fight was watched by an estimated 17 million people on television and 10,300 paying spectators.[2]
McClellan dropped Benn, who went out of the ring in round one. They continued battling, but the fight had a devastating ending. McClellan knocked Benn down again in the eighth round but Benn was able to continue and after enduring numerous punches from Benn, McClellan slumped to one knee in round ten.[3] He took the mandatory eight count, resumed boxing, but soon dropped to his knee for a second time. He was counted out. He returned to his corner but appeared to be unable to stand and lost consciousness. McClellan briefly regained consciousness in the ambulance and ripped off his oxygen mask.
[edit] Aftermath
McClellan had emergency surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain. He spent eleven days in a coma and after which, he was found to have suffered extensive brain damage. He lost his eyesight, the ability to walk unassisted and became 80 percent deaf. Sports Illustrated ran an article about the fight and its outcome one week after the fight. McClellan's family flew to be by his side, and later he was flown back to his home country. He has recently recovered some ability to walk, being helped by a cane, but he has not recovered his eyesight. In addition to being blind and almost deaf, his short-term memory was also profoundly affected. His three sisters, particularly Lisa McClellan, are responsible for his care. He has been the honoree at numerous banquets and award ceremonies, and fellow boxing world champion Roy Jones Jr., often pointed as a possible rival during the 1990s (indeed, McClellan actually beat Jones as an amateur), set up a foundation to help McClellan. Nigel Benn himself has also helped to raise funds for McClellan's treatment, and the two men would meet again for the first time since their bout at a fundraiser held in London on February 24, 2007. Several items were auctioned off at the event and a total of £200,000 was raised.[4]
[edit] Dog Fighting controversy
According to an article in the Observer, McClellan participated in dog fights.[5][6] McClellan's trainer & family admitted that McClellan was involved with fighting pitbulls, and on one occasion had used tape to bind the jaws of a Labrador shut and allowing his pitbull dogs to kill the Labrador.[7]
[edit] References
[edit] External links
| Preceded by Chris Eubank Vacated |
WBO Middleweight Champion November 20, 1991– 1992 |
Succeeded by Vacancy filled by Chris Pyatt |
| Preceded by Julian Jackson |
WBC Middleweight Champion May 8, 1993– May 7, 1994 |
Succeeded by Vacancy filled by Julian Jackson |
