First fight I remember watching, I was about 7 at my gran's house. I thought it was the best thing ever and didn't realise McClellan actually got ****ed up until I was much older.
A retrospective from Boxing Monthly a few years ago: http://www.boxing-monthly.co.uk/content/0502/one.htm
A couple of questions I have after reading War, Baby. 1. McClellan's sisters flying him from the UK after just a couple of weeks couldn't have done him any good, but do you think it could have worsened his long term health or do you reckon he was ****ed anyway? 2. One of his sisters say that they have a tape recording of McClellan telling his trainer he wanted to quit after the 6th round, was this tape ever heard in public?
Both interesting points, was discussing point 1 with my mate this morning. Apparently he would've suffered less damage if he'd stayed here, have no source mind you:good
No off the Apron they get 20 seconds if they dont come off it they still get the 10 seconds. Makes you wonder why they gave the ref such a big appointment for his first World title fight.
I think Bunce addressed that first point on his show a few weeks back. From what I remember it seems that against the concerns and recommendations of the medical staff, despite showing signs of recovery they still flew Gerald back over, in the process ruining his chances of any further progress. As for your second point, I'm pretty sure the tape was never heard in public. As far as I'm concerned, if he really wanted to quit he could have stayed on his stool.
War Baby .... a fairly ordinary book, written largely from the persepective of the McClellan family. The consultant looking after him did not want Gerald moved. That is a fact, and they went ahead anyway. An almost criminal piece of stupidity. Kevin Mitchell's fantasies over what went on in the hospital make dramatic reading, but do not tally with the truth. I was there at the London Arena, sitting close by awestruck spectators such as Lennox Lewis, and Frank Bruno punching the ring in support of Benn. The single most dramatic fight I have watched live. Benn, almost ko'd in the first round with a long count, was extraordinary. And never the same again. It was a fight to appeal to primieval instincts, and question your love for the sport. Bravery in buckets from both men, a bear pit atmosphere, and an awful ending. Let's not forget Benn was never the same again either. Amazing night airbrushed from hsitory to an extent.
The most amazing fight I have ever seen, the whole atmosphere, a blistering night. Nothing's come near it for me, before or since, maybe Eubank Watson II at a push.
I think i've watched this fight over 200 times. I find it disrespectful that it is swept under the carpet in the states after all those men gave