Tribute to Gerald McClellan

After a silly post about spinning back fists in boxing, I posted that if it was ever seriously considered that punches to the back of the head and neck would be the biggest risk (known as rabbit punch). I then added the effects and some history that led to this post.

One of boxing's worst tragedy's involved one of boxing's most electric fighters ever and on his way to being considered among the top of all-time greats was Gerald McClellan. In a bout with Nigel Benn who constantly hit McClellan with rabbit punches and headbutts, McClellan was hospitalized after the fight. When McClellan was discharged to the care of his family, he was completely blind, 80% deaf and could no longer walk unassisted. His condition has improved slightly in the sixteen years since tragedy befell him, but he is still a pale shadow of the man he once was. Those unfamiliar with this sad story should look it up and read some boxing history and the dangers of the sport. We miss Gerald in the ring and hope his journey through life somehow improves and teaches many others some valuable life lessons!

. I respect gerald as much as any fighter to ever walk between the ropes, not sure if you read the story, but going into the last couple of rounds, he knew something was wrong, he was even talking to his dead dog, who had died a few days before the fight, he mentioned that if something did not change than he would be seeing him sooner rather than later,   the pain that he was feeling expecially going into the last round must of been out of this world, but he still answered the bell, what a fucking warrior, his life was on the line and he knew it yet refused to quit,  win or die trying, a lot of fighters say that, he meant it.

I watched it live (I think it was in London) and I was also impressed with Benn because no one ever took that type of punishment from Gerald and got up. Benn was knocked outside the ring and came back to win. Benn was overwhelmed with emotion after seeing what had happened to Gerald. Back to Gerald, and I being a Julian Jackson fan (mainly because his power and ring excitement) watched McClellan dismantle him in a round. Anyhow, McClellan was to big anyhow being a strong middleweight and Jackson was a natural 154lbs. I remember McClellan stating something felt wrong. This was an all around sad story because it basically took away everything from one man's life and took away another man's passion and career. McClellan had 31 fights with 29 by KO and 20 were 1st rounders. Benn had 42 fights with 35 by KO. If that fight hadn't turned out so bad for everyone, I would rate it among the top great fights in boxing history.