‘War, Baby’ by Kevin Mitchell is a book centring on the ill-fated 1995 world title bout between Nigel Benn and Gerald McLellan.
I have to start by saying that if you, like me, hold any conflict about watching boxing as entertainment, and the safety and wellbeing of the boxers, then this book is not going to be an easy read. KM does a very good job at broaching the difficult subject of a professional fighter becoming permanently injured during a bout, simultaneously treating both fighters with respect whilst still questioning their behaviour during the promotion of the bout.
Rightly, KM also does not spare the promoters for their part in building the tension around the bout to the point of unnecessary animosity, particularly Don King’s use of language, his tendency to focus on and stir up feelings of hatred, and at times a desire to talk about killing an opponent. It was King’s exclamation about the bout, ‘It’s war, baby!’ which inspired the title of this book.
It is always a tragedy when a boxer is permanently injured (often for both boxers), but the life-changing injuries sustained by McClellan seem to have captured boxing fans’ attention especially; my opinion here may well be influenced by virtue of the bout taking place in Britain, but this is the most balanced writing I’ve come across on the subject.
How anyone can return to YouTube and watch this fight (which thousands of people appear to do), knowing the outcome, baffles me. This desire to see someone seriously hurt is something I’ll never understand, and one of the main reasons I prefer to attend amateur events rather than pro. I hate the booing that so often happens when a fight is ended for the protection of one of the fighters.
If you’re not already aware of their work, please follow this link and consider supporting the Ringside Charitable Trust, who are aiming to set up a reliable support network to provide help to former boxers, whether that be because of financial trouble or failing health.
Writers on Boxing 
Leave a comment