Gerald McClellan suffered a severe brain injury during a boxing match against Nigel Benn in 1995, which left him with significant disabilities.
Gerald McClellan was a prominent middleweight boxer known for his power and skill in the ring. On February 25, 1995, McClellan faced Nigel Benn in a highly anticipated bout for the WBC super middleweight title. During the fight, McClellan was knocked down twice but continued to battle on. In the tenth round, after a particularly brutal series of exchanges, McClellan took a knee and signaled to his corner that he could not continue.
After the fight, McClellan collapsed in his dressing room and was rushed to the hospital. It was discovered that he had suffered a subdural hematoma—a bleed on the brain—and he underwent emergency surgery to remove a blood clot. The injury left him with severe and permanent brain damage. As a result, McClellan is now blind, partially deaf, and requires full-time care for his daily needs.
The aftermath of the fight raised questions about the safety of boxing and the adequacy of medical supervision during matches. McClellan’s injury also highlighted the risks boxers take each time they step into the ring. Despite the tragic turn his life took, McClellan’s situation has helped to raise awareness about the need for improved safety standards in the sport. His sister, Lisa McClellan, has been a devoted caretaker and advocate for her brother, and the boxing community has held various fundraising events to help support his ongoing medical expenses.
