Nigel Benn, the former WBC super-middleweight champion, has named Gerald McClellan as the hardest hitter he faced in his career. Benn's choice might surprise some fans who expected his famous rival Chris Eubank Sr to top the list.
Benn's revelation comes as his son Conor gets ready to fight Chris Eubank Jr at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The upcoming bout between the sons reignites memories of the fierce rivalry between their fathers.
Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr fought twice during their careers. Their first clash in November 1990 saw Eubank win by 9th round TKO, claiming the WBO middleweight title. The rematch at Old Trafford in October 1993 ended in a split decision draw, with both men retaining their respective super-middleweight titles.
Despite these tough battles with Eubank, Benn points to Gerald McClellan as the most powerful opponent he faced. He explained:
"Gerald McClellan. As I said, the gap between him and the rest in terms of power was huge. He was in a league of his own, but I had to win that fight because everyone thought I was going to lose."
Benn's fight with McClellan wasn't initially on the cards. The promoter first offered Michael Nunn as an opponent but wanted Benn to take a $100,000 pay cut. When Benn refused, he got an ultimatum: fight Nunn or face a "mini-Mike Tyson" in McClellan.
The Benn-McClellan fight took place in February 1995. Benn won by 10th round knockout, retaining his WBC super-middleweight title. But the victory came at a high cost for both fighters.
McClellan suffered a severe brain injury that forced him to retire. Benn didn't escape unscathed either. He ended up with a damaged nose and jaw, urinated blood, and stayed in bed for three days after the fight. Doctors later found a shadow on his brain.
"That shows you how powerful a champion that man was,"Benn said, reflecting on the aftermath.
Benn's career spanned 48 fights, and he was stopped only four times. Looking back, he admits, "Once my fight with Gerald was over I should have retired."
The British boxer's toughness came from his time in the army and his experience in street fights. He wasn't scared to take on anyone, but McClellan's power stood out. Benn described the American as a "prolific puncher" with an "incredible knockout ratio," adding, "There was a mile between him and anyone else."
As Conor Benn prepares to face Chris Eubank Jr, his father's reflections offer a glimpse into the brutal world of boxing at its highest level. They serve as a reminder of the sport's risks and the incredible toughness of those who step into the ring.
