MCCLELLAN, GERALD-NIGEL BENN ON SITE POSTER (1985)

HISTORY: Gerald 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. Offered here is an original, on site poster for this event.

FULL DESCRIPTION: This is an original, paper, on site poster which pictures both fighters. Bold color and print. Bold, clear images. Clean front and back. Not creased or torn. Has some minor edge and corner wear. Some minor compressions from handling. 40" x 57."