MCCLELLAN, GERALD SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH

HISTORY: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Offered here is an original photograph of Gerald McClellan which he has boldly signed. From the collection of noted fight photographer Teddy Blackburn.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original photograph of McClellan holding his championship belt. Boldly signed in black sharpie. Bold color and clear image. Clean front and back. Not creased or torn. 8" x 12." Autograph obtained by boxing photographer Teddy Blackburn.