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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – APRIL 09: Joe Rogan looks on during the UFC 273 event at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on April 09, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – APRIL 09: Joe Rogan looks on during the UFC 273 event at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on April 09, 2022 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
The sport of boxing has stood witness to multiple tragic incidents inside the ring. One of the saddest incidents happened when Gerald McClellan faced Nigel Benn. McClellan suffered a traumatic brain injury which further on to lead to a host of lifelong issues. He even had to retire from professional boxing because of the same. The boxing world recently shared its thoughts about the same.
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Joe Rogan was talking on an episode of his ‘Joe Rogan Experience Podcast‘. In conversation, he also opened up about the tragic fight. Talking about the same, Rogan said, “Gerald McClellan who was just a straight-up murderer. And then Gerald fought Nigel Benn. Phew, what a fight that was.”

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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MAY 07: Joe Rogan anchors the broadcast during the UFC 274 event at Footprint Center on May 07, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
McClellan faced Benn at the London Arena on February 25, 1995. The bout billed as, ‘Sudden Impact’, saw McClellan fight for the super middleweight title. Benn ended up defeating McClellan via a 10th-round knockout.
However, McClellan ended up collapsing in the ring soon after.
Support Gerald McClellan here: https://t.co/rgGYYRs9j3 pic.twitter.com/EnshYpNwLt
— Gerald McClellan🇺🇸 (@GeraldGManBoxer) July 9, 2019
Paramedics quickly got into action and placed him in a neck brace, while also giving him oxygen. He was rushed to Royal London Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery to remove a blood clot.
McClellan went on to lose his sight and most of his hearing after the incident. And he also faced mobility issues.
The Boxing World opens up about the incident involving Gerald McClellan
Boxing fans were deeply saddened by the tragedy that Gerald McClellan suffered. And a lot of fans commented on the video sharing their thoughts.
User Gift Nkele was quick to point out, “We often forget just how much this beautiful sport can be so brutal.”
Many other users also pitched in. User By Hook or By Crook said, “Remember watching the fight live in the pub with all the boys. What a fight but with a very sad ending.”
Similarly, user SA Doherty added, “Massively tragic and devastating outcome for both fighters but in incredibly different ways. I’m still so sad about this.”
Another user named Abelg141 Concepcion said, “Very sad story! God bless him and hopefully one day he will be a miracle case of recovery!?”
Today as you celebrate your 51st birthday, I ask God to keep you healthy and happy!💚💚🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/ZfxUFPo3XM
— Gerald McClellan🇺🇸 (@GeraldGManBoxer) October 23, 2018
And user Steady Mobbin spoke about personally knowing the former champion. He said, “I personally know Gerald, it’s sad to see such a great athlete suffer like this.”
Meanwhile, a few fans also extended their support to Benn.
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User BishYeahBish said, “U don’t have to know Nigel ben to know that this absolutely broke his heart during and after and ever since.”
In the same vein, Benn Banes added, “Such a sad situation. Avoidable. Both great fighters of their times. Benn was never the same animal after, and how could you be?”
While there have been many instances of athletes getting injured inside the ring. This remains one of the saddest incidents to take place in the sport.
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What are your thoughts on McClellan’s injury? Do share in the comments below.
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