No One Could Survive a Round with Him! Mad Power and the Tragedy of Gerald McClellan

Even by the standards of the savage era of 90s boxing, Gerald McClellan’s punching power defied all comparison. With a rare gift for shutting down foes with either hand and a record-breaking first-round blackout rate, he embodied the perfect knockout machine. But the middleweight’s star career collapsed overnight. Today we’ll relive the iconic battles, the beauty and the drama of sport incarnated in Gerald McClellan.

Who’s the best of those out there? Gentleman from Detroit. Of course, he started with all Gerald Mlullen seems like even by the standards of the apex predator era of ’90s boxing. Gerald Mlen’s punching power defied all comparison. No chance. Oh, there Julie got ready. Down goes Jackson with a rare gift for shutting down foes with either hand. Look at this. And a record-breaking first round blackout rate. Keep his hands in his elbows inside the he embodied the perfect knockout machine. Julie got a win already. Down goes Jackson. But the middleweight stars career collapsed overnight. We have a serious problem in the ring with Gerald Mlelen. Today we’ll relive the iconic battles. The beauty is alive and the drama of sport incarnated in Gerald Mlelen. In the opening round and we thought this might happen. Freeport, Illinois, birthplace of the Lockheed P38 fighter aircraft designer and Gerald Mlen who came into the world in October 67. Nevertheless, young Gerald would punch his way to a better life through boxing. In ‘ 87, he won the USA Amateur Championship and in May 88 defeated Roy Jones Jr. himself. According to witnesses, it was the greatest slugfest in amateur boxing history. Still, it was Roy who would go on to the Olympics 3 months later and returned with a scandalous silver medal. Although the crowd reacted to the right by that, well, there it is. Meanwhile, having moved to Kron Gym in Detroit, 20-year-old Mlelen fell into the golden hands of Emanuel Stewart, who had raised dozens of champions. At that time, the career of his celebrated student Tommy Hearns was winding down. So, the Smash Factory needed fresh blood. Wise beyond his years, even in his early fights, Gerald displayed a stiff jab. Knock people out. That’ll be easier, but certainly a nice pace. Left jabs now forgotten. Look away faints. 21 years old. I think I said he was 25. And already the 21-year-old is taking it to the older 26-y old counterpart. Followed by a chopping right hand. Barely misses. And that’s the right that does land. And the left hook completed his personal take on knockout artistry. Keep his hands in his elbows inside the bar. The big left hook. In eight months as a pro, Dun’s first 10 opponents lasted even five minutes. Stop in this fight. Another right and that’ll do it looks like. But after falling short on the scorecards twice, Mlen no longer dragged out the clock. Committing fully on every attack, he developed an ultraaggressive style. A desperate high guard got punished instantly by a paralyzing hook. Mowing down the opposition right away and knocks it down. I mean that’s Gerald earned comparison with Tyson. Quicker knock down than this though Stewart’s middleweight bore more resemblance to Hearns. With 77 in of reach, Mlen dismantled defenses with multi-level bombardment. Quick start here in this first round. He is just and disguise subsequent detonations behind jabs very well to set up the right. There’s a good example of ironically of course he started with all his doomed adversaries failed to see the approaching funeral march ironically of course he started with all so Gerald’s piggy bank quickly swelled with stoppage wins the double jab cross known in the streets as the postman’s knock would lull a dozen recipients carrying the brief nickname Gman, Mlen made it to title contention in just 3 years. Sammy Brooks provided the final test, but even his vintage mustache couldn’t protect him from the jackhammer bodywork. The right elbow from the 12 had something on it. There’s another one. Only the referee hungered for more in the banquet and prolonged the bout past the two-minute mark. They’re not going to get the rounds. He didn’t want anymore. You see that? He’s done anymore. He’s He’s trying to single Bobby W. Gerald Mclen [Applause] in the early 90s despite the heavyweight popularity boom. That was a right hand and down goes. The 160lb middleweight division remained the hottest in boxing. After Titan Marvin Haggler retired and superstars Tommy Hearns and Ray Leonard moved to another weight class, a scramble for the vacant throne ensued. The title picture featured both deserving veterans like Roberto Duran and Mike McCum and blossoming talents like defensive wizard James Tony. It was a good hand. Oh, another right from Tony. He’s down and supersonic Roy Jones. What is this jet power? Plus a number of belt holders in their prime from different sanctioning bodies. Speedy Michael Nun is by nature. Oh my or cannonfisted Julian Jackson falling ever further behind them. Oh no. Among the latter was John McGabi nicknamed the beast for his bludgeoning knockouts. Since claiming Olympic silver in Moscow, the imposing Uganda native invariably ripped heads off in the pros, scoring all 38 wins exclusively by execution. Notably, Mugabi gave away concussions with both hands. In November 91, the beast was expected to pose a genuine threat to Mlelen for the vacant WBO crown. Obviously, when two cannon balls collide, a pointsc scoring snoozefest is not in the cards, but few could have predicted a fall in the first minute. He’s 138 and he’s hurt a right hand from the young man and McGab is over in the Michelle Shak Mugabi got up, continuing to absorb the opponent’s trademark offerings. McGabby is 31 years old now. Gerald’s right hand freight train regularly whistled past the chin. This time the left hand catches Mu at the Albert Hall tonight and he’s gone again and Mi won’t survive this eventually closing the show within a round. The former world light middleweight champion now all too vulnerable to heavy punching. Making quick work of an elite boxer and a wide open target for this big swinging young American. The 24year-old champion accepted congratulations from his mentor and immediately became the middleweight boogeyman. However, the WBO belt carried little weight back then. So, in 1992, Mlullen went after contender status under the prestigious WBC, sticking to the winning recipe of bodyhead combos. Part of the reason is long credential, a left right combination to the head, but then a left underneath. Gerald knocked all the butterflies out of opponents with his lead hand. Oh, the body shots underneath the right elbow and he’s just There he goes again before changing the angle and driving in the hammer. But this is not much of a workout. There it is. None of the next three guys survived a full round. [Music] in the hook. Gman maniacally pierced any guard with his jab. Another good jab from Mlen. Sullivan missing with the right laying the foundation for a crushing right hand. Well, the more we talked. Oh, the right hand staggers. Another one down he goes. Right over it. Planting shots that would make grandchildren dizzy with that jab and bingo right on the chin and the mouthpiece almost comes out. His eyes really went in four different directions here. Mlen earned another title shot in no time. It’s a lot of middleweights out there. I would never pick no name cuz, you know, no grudge match, you know, I got on my mind. But one guy I would like to challenge is always calling me out is James Tony. He watching this fight and uh I hope he give me a chance to fight for the IBF title. It’s worth noting that in 1990, the young guns sparred at the Kron gym. At that time, the division’s top five included Roy Jones and the aforementioned James Tony. But at the very peak of the rankings, sword Julian the Hawk Jackson, the reigning WBC champion. Ratio of Jackson is gone. A meek, god-fearing man outside the ring with a 46-1 record and 43 oblivions inside of it. There he goes. Jackson didn’t just put boxers to sleep. He made spectators freeze in horror. Oh, there’s a right hand. He will get up for this one. And while his lead hook could cure treatment resistant insomnia, still firing. Oh, a big Oh, a tremendous left hand. His right hand left a pile of bodies out cold on the canvas. Down goes Milton. Even pointing to the exact spot where they should land. Say, “Okay, good night.” As the author of 1990s KO of the Year further behind them. Oh no. The Hawk entered the Mlen fight in May of 93, holding a spot in the pound-for-pound rankings down and the top 25 heaviest punchers in boxing history. Familiar. The duelists exchanged leather in the opening seconds. at the hook. Certainly not the case. He actually starts in a hurry as you can see. Nice. Good. There it is. A big right hand because waiting with the jab of the fight. Such blows would suffice for three ordinary boxers. Jackson in trouble. Look how much trouble he’s in there. Do is use the jab. Wait, bang over the top. There it was. Finally, Mlen had met his match. Stubbling and staggered to pull off an upset. Jackson, he came out very calm, but here he is. He is attacking Julian Jackson. And Jackson Jackson’s jab fencing looked cleaner in the second. He’s on the decline in his career and general he’s been digging shots. Insists he won’t hold back. Slipping the right by a hair. Jackson told us his right hand will set him up. He says Mlullen. He intercepted Gerald’s attacks. More effective now using a jab. Mlen has gotten to be a little more chestlike right now. Making him work defensively for once. Jackson’s fighting very well here but not having any effect on it. It comes back strong but back comes Jackson his man. Mlullen thinks Jackson is looking ahead and seek safety in the clinch survival here and Gerald Gerald is looking scared. Jackson sending Mlullen back but Gman still clipped the jawline late in the round. turned the tables from the first round, but ML also still a dangerous fighter and gradually adjusted to the adversar’s lunges. He came out with a good stiff jab, Jackson winging big shots, gaining confidence as the round goes on. That right miss while establishing his lead hand export first round. Julian Jackson, he says, “My tools are better.” Meanwhile, Julian Jackson 46 and one. Mlullen survived the chin crash test as well. How good is his chin? And right now, champion. Oh, look out. And began introducing more chaos into the fight. Unintentional pun. And Julian has got Julian Jackson complaining. While boldly measuring distance and blocking the vision with explosion knockout power, hard punches by another big right hand right on the button. He sent the Blackhawk down. Jackson slips, albeit temporarily. No knockdown. In the fourth, Gerald delivered his signature combo. You’ll never stop a fight there. And you know, sometimes blood and embraced the effectiveness of parries and faints. He says, “My tools are better. I punch as hard as Jackson does. I’m faster and I’m still walking slow, methodical, conserving energy.” Ian Jackson tried to having lost initiative sacrificing around but he was his junior at the 88 Golden Glove semifinals he was disappointed Jackson could no longer keep up with the springy challenger as he eluded a punch stooping to illegal maneuvers is Gerald Mau fighting low blow heavy shot down south another one another one you can see it was a legitimate low blow and you can see the the damage look at Luckily, the compassionate referee ventilated the contents. Copy the protector, which is what it’s and Mlullen didn’t deny the advancing champion your legs out from under a chance to enter a power measuring contest upstairs. No chance south. Oh, there Julian. Down goes Jackson. Julian’s heroic rise didn’t affect the result. Will be over right this minute. And there’s a minute left to go. Holland finish him off. He’s down again. Let’s watch what happens. Here you go again. Grounding the Hawk with a couple of boulders. Lead right hand. Finishing it off with the left hand. And down is Jackson. No chance. South. Oh, there Julie got a right hand. Down goes Jackson. 25-year-old Gerald celebrated the biggest victory of his career. Gerald. As befits old school gladiators, they shook hands after the clash and Emanuel Stewart embraced the opponent in the interview. After those two low blows, it looked like you were weakened. Well, he weakened me with a whole bunch of shots. Julian’s real strong. Tip my hat to him. All right, Julian Jackson, you’re experiencing what 43 guys experienced from you. Were you surprised? Uh, yeah, I was surprised. You know, by experience, I knew I had him and he just caught me with a good punch. Well, Julian punched very hard. I got a tremendous headache. going back to the room, maybe sleep two or three days. God bless you. All right, Gman. Three months later, Gerald made his first defense against Jay Bell with a decent 17-1 resume and 16 knockouts. A routine showdown unexpectedly turned special. Off the field, an honor student. And look at this. A big left hook to the body right in the solar plexus. It appeared to me. The one act performance lasted 20 seconds, resulting in the fastest KO in middleweight title fight history. Off the field in honor, students and look at this Tommy Hearns and the rest. How do you rank the gentleman? I’ve always told people that he has the ability to be the best fighter that I have ever had. Told people best punch is his body punch, but it’s going to be hard for him to have too many long fights because he’s not just a hard puncher, he’s an acquuncher. Makes the difference. Real push back was supposed to come from the talented Lamar Parks, poetically nicknamed Fire Kid. There it is. Unfortunately, his rendevous with Mlelen was canceled at the last moment when Parks tested positive for HIV. The late replacement, Gilbert Baptist, sat down at the outset. He wants the early knockout right there looking to end it in the first minute passes down and never regained balance. Richard not to make a mistake and that is it. In 94, a year after their last meeting, they scheduled a rematch with Julian Jackson. The Hawk had bounced back with three wins during that time. about this. However, Mlullen killed the intrigue with the very first one. Two. Mlullen’s come out with a real good jab. Oh, a big right hand and put extra mustard on him. Pulling Jackson go down and take an hit like that. Relentless attack by Melan. And finally, Jackson going down. A precise hook to the liver wrap things up cuz Jackson can punch. And down goes Jackson for the second time. Gerald fit three world title defenses into just 200 seconds total. An unthinkable achievement that boxing had never seen before or since. Moreover, in all cases, body shots were the key to success. Sloppy, but Jackson can punch. And down goes Jackson for the second time has retained his title. ratio is the number two in the world pound for pound. Who is number one? Meanwhile, as is often the case with famous people, an army of flatterers formed around Gerald, each wanting a piece of the pie, and Gerald fell for it. He no longer wanted to split purses and got rid of coach Emanuel Stewart. Gerald McClullen and I had separated because he had been convinced he could survive without having a manager. I don’t want to go into that. I mean, it’s it’s a phase of my life to man said, “Fuck me. He left me.” But I’ve I’ve did a lot. On paper, the new trainer was Stan Johnson, whom no one was taking seriously. I’m a very experienced trainer. Probably one of the best in the damn business. Still got the hat. Yeah. It’s like a trademark. It’s like Don King. You know what I’m saying? Gerald knocked it off, didn’t he? During training. Yeah, he was. Broke my teeth during training, too. But he paid for him. Some people say he did it on purpose. There was something else that surfaced only years later. I didn’t have a lot of pit bulls cuz pitbulls only dog that remind me of myself. You know, 20 point is a real aggressive dog. Unfortunately, Mlullen loved not only pitbulls but also dog fighting, a disgusting hobby banned throughout the civilized world. Newly minted trainer Stan Johnson, whose credibility can certainly be questioned, shared many loathsome details about Gerald’s methods in preparing his fighting dogs. What’s known for certain is Mlen had a favorite dog named Deuce, who was tattooed on the boxer’s arm. Once another dog tore him up, Gerald, covered in blood and sobbing in his Mercedes back seat, stitched up his wounded pet, saying, “I’ll never do this again. Why’ I ever get involved? In the realm of fisticuffs, by late 94, James Tony and Roy Jones had moved up to super middleweight at 168 lbs and determined a winner. Tony Oh, big left hook. It’s down bel Jones. Aiming to defeat Roy again, Mlullen followed them. Giving his credentials, Gerald immediately got a crack at the WBC world champion, Nigel Ben. The Brit made up for his rough technical edges with an explosive personality and a lead heavy punch. Take a punch or two coming in. He did that. And there it is. One hit. And the first one is never shying away from a slugfest. A reminder. And there goes Ben with the fitting nickname the Dark Destroyer had scored 32 KOs in 39 victories and was on a run of six defenses of his prestigious title. On February 25th, 1995, the challenger Gerald traveled across the ocean straight into the champion’s layer London to take the belt in front of a hostile crowd. He didn’t want to win. He didn’t want to win the fight. He actually wanted to kill Naj. be warned. From the get-go, Nigel started habitually crouching down low and he will need to be cuz this is some puncher which was fatal against Gman’s chopping machetes. Ducking very low, Jim below the the waistline and he looks as though he’s done him in the opening round and we thought this might happen. Setting in motion a punching carousel just 35 seconds in. Mlen nearly sealed the title takeover. However, Ben woke up from slumber at the end of the count and returned to the battlefield. Clinging to life, this man is absolutely tremendous puncher. He’s got to throw punches back now. With the help from the meddling referee to claim him, the French referee trying to get that head. His legs are completely gone. The champion withtood a carpet bombing technically ducking below him and dared to throw back. Gerald suspiciously grabbed his own head after taking a hit. But this fellow and Nigel ducking down non-stop made it to the long aaited bell just has to come back with something. Has to get his body weight forward to try and get some leaders into the punch. Imagine he survived the round anyway. for round two. In the second, he caught his stride. [Applause] Slipping to create space for haymakers. It was a great punch. That’s some com. Ben didn’t spare the back of the head either. Melon hasn’t been turned. Completely turning around the seemingly hopeless bout. Deflated. Gerald without his working jab was whiffing repeatedly. Well, they said it was perfectly good from and swallowed uppercuts. Defensively sloppy there. Oh, did that uppercut there while Nigel threw a swing party in the ring. He’s not exactly what he needs. Only in the third did Gman begin answering in the clinch and recognizably setting up his right hand here. Respect for him. He’s got it now. But he’s still there. Oh good that but he was already having problems with his mouthpiece which is later discovered was an early symptom of brain trauma. See these first round wins. By the midpoint of the London Scorcher, passions were still boiling with gloved rocks flying from both sides. I hope you all are. I went away leaving it out of his mouth like that. I think the referee’s in time to put it back. Oh, there he goes. Still the Brit held the advantage. [Music] His thunderous swings were easily finding the head of the challenger. Unaccustomed to this type of style far better. Oh, what a shot. Yet Mlen transformed in moments. Just beginning to feel your pace a little bit. He’s throwing a lot of shots. Well, they’re not getting through and uncharacteristically switched stances. To which Ben responded with filth, aided by the blind referee. Switzerland, Thailand, Mexico. [Applause] Nothing stopped the champion from hitting the back of the head. Yes. Or after the bell after the bell as well. He’s hurt there. At some point, the American’s mouthpiece fell out. lots of plank. We’ve been talking about that racing as he couldn’t keep his jaws shut. Almost losing the gunshot there as though he’s spitting it out. Overcoming adversity, Gerald remembered his primary weapon and finally focused on the torso. Out of trouble, it’s when he leans back, he’s taking severe chances. His affairs improved in round seven and onwards with that crouch and punch as he comes out of the crouch. But if he stands within punching range is the fact that the events can hold home with good shots, but they’re not troubling McLaren. I saw a bit of spa match with Tommy in the front. But Nigel’s fiery hooks were still finding home as did constant blows to the forbidden area. For the first time in his career, Gman’s face twisted into a painful grimace. The breathing problem. Maybe his nose is busted. Mullen gave the foe a taste of his own medicine once. Boxers, but they’re not bothering with that. They’re just throwing bombs at each other. And in the eighth with his mouthpiece slipping out, rushed for the finish. Oh, good right hand again. Oh, he’s barely in trouble. He’s in trouble in the eighth round here. Tremendous show cuz this is where his legs actually dipped. It was all over in the cauldron of violence. There he goes again. The wounded. Gerald punched holes in the trunk. Legs have dipped. He’s got to get out of that corner, Jim. Then forced a knockdown. He won’t, but he doesn’t mind being in the corner. That was the only a battered Nigel regained vertical position and again escaped being put away. In the ninth, the Dark Destroyer devoured a packet of right hands. Yeah, I don’t think. Oh, tremendous and retaliated with legal single shots leads just a bit too long. plus dirty ones to the back of the head. Launching into a headbutt just to mix things up. Just puffed under both eyes. Oh yeah. Complaining there. Not happy. Not happy. The champion put Gerald in an anomalous position. The referee from France, which explains a lot, issued just one verbal warning to the nasty shenanigans. Classes of heads are just expected in boxing. though it had no effect on the course of the bouts. [Music] In the 10th, Mlen was ahead on the scorecards, but his facial tick got significantly worse. Yet somehow he stayed light on his feet. They’ll never show a little push back. Ben responded with his already signature sequence. Hook to the face and a grimy rabbit punch. Gerald got up. Gerald McLaren didn’t see it. He’s got to get up. Nothing stopped the champion from repeating the fatal combo. Nigel B is that this is all hard. He’s quick, darling. He’s quick. while Ben was celebrating on the ropes. Fantastic performance. Mlen was suffering facial spasms. What a result, Ben. That night, the referee should have been thrown into a prison cell with Tyson for re-education purposes. Once again, not a devastating knockdown. Gman made it to his corner on his own where he finally collapsed. I look at the cookie camera and I squirted water on the top of his head and he looked up at me and said, “Man, that water you squirted on my head feel like that running inside of my head.” We have a serious problem in the ring with Gerald Mlever. The fight with Nigel Ben. I understand that it was totally chaos. Gerald regained consciousness for a couple of minutes when being taken into intensive care. is alive to the hospital. While Nigel Ben didn’t make it to the dressing room, Nigel ultimately got away with bruises. Not very about, but you know, rather him than me. 27-year-old Gerald, on the other hand, sustained irreparable damage. The brain is quite swollen. Emergency surgery that required opening up the skull to remove a hematoma saved his life, but left him permanently disabled. Look at you. Look at you. Gerald spent several days in a coma, went completely blind, partially lost his hearing and the ability to think clearly. What color you want? What color popsicle you want me? He requires roundthe-clock care. That’s right. I’m right behind you, girl. For the last 30 years, one of the fiercest knockout artists in history has been under the full guardianship of his sisters, especially Lisa. She’s been managing her brother’s treatment and helping him with daily tasks. She never blames boxing, though. Millions practice the sport and accidents can happen in any profession. Boxing gave Gerald opportunity to live a life that he wouldn’t have if it weren’t for boxing. But at the same time, it took the life that he had before boxing. In 2007, Nigel Ben organized a gayla to raise money for his former opponent. 12 years after that fateful night, the fighters met again. No. Yeah, that’s nice. Gregory Ben. Yes, I love you. Yes. 12 years have all just come up. Do you think neither uh not feel sorry but just wish that wouldn’t happen? Absolutely. Absolutely. Now I understand it’s not just me and Joe. It’s the whole family that have been affected. Ben raised 200,000 lb for Gerald. We’ve laid to rest a lot of things. There was a lot of resentment, a lot of animosity. [Music] In 2021, Lisa Jordan Mlelen launched a foundation to help boxers with brain trauma and invited leading specialists in the field. One of your favorite guys, Gerald Mlen, his sister, Lisa Mlen, she contacted me and we found he was hormonally deficient. So, what we ended up doing is putting him on to the hormone replacement. He’s 20% better in four months. Now, the 57year-old boxer is even able to play with his grandchildren. [Music] Detroit, Gerald Mlen. Gerald Mlen was irresistible in the ring. Ironically, of course, he started with all a nice with 29 professional knockouts, 28 inside three rounds. Part of the reason is real honor student. Look at this. Gman had everything to become the greatest punch in history. Keep his hands and his elbows inside the no. [Music] But moral vices outside the ropes perhaps made fortune turn away from him. All his entourage dissolved. Thankfully, a true close person remained. I want to ask you a personal question. Nigel Bean, you knocked him out the ring in the first round. Right hand out the ring. Yeah. I mean, you went down on one knee because of the headbutt. And that’s on purpose. He kept using rabbit punches and the ref never stopped him. in the back like this. You hit me like this. Yeah, I don’t know. He always wants to know if he lost the fight that night. I tell him no. All eyes on me. Till the day I die. All eyes on me.