Chris Eubank vs. Gerald McClellan

[dpw417]

12 rounds between two middleweights who weigh 180 lbs. Who takes it?

[Longhhorn71]

12 rounds between two middleweights who weigh 180 lbs. Who takes it?

I go with Eubank.

I think he is a better technical fighter than the G-Man, and
had the mindset to win when the going gets tough.

[rendog67]

at middleweight g-man was a monster im going to say he would be one of the very few fighters who stops eubank, and it would be late in the fight.

[Rebel-INS]

I just don't see McClellan stopping Eubank, his chin was fantastic. I see Eubank nicking a UD decision by a couple of rounds.

[Russell]

I'd favor McClellan, looking at how he did against Benn while more or less dying on his feet

[PhillyPhan69]

Eubank is simply to good in this match-up..His chin should carry him through the rough spots...and there would be a few! But his mobility and style would leave him with a nice UD...bring on RJJ!

[Dave's Top Ten]

The G Man was better than Benn, despite the result. What Benn does, McClellen does better. His power was frightening. I see Eubank getting stopped. For all his ability he could be hit and took quite a lot of punishment along the way. Eubank gets stopped around the midway point.

[Doppleganger]

The G Man was better than Benn, despite the result. What Benn does, McClellen does better. His power was frightening. I see Eubank getting stopped. For all his ability he could be hit and took quite a lot of punishment along the way. Eubank gets stopped around the midway point.
If Eubank gets stopped it won't be because his chin let him down...

[crippet]

The G Man was better than Benn, despite the result. What Benn does, McClellen does better. His power was frightening. I see Eubank getting stopped. For all his ability he could be hit and took quite a lot of punishment along the way. Eubank gets stopped around the midway point.


So for Benn to be better than McClellan, he would have had to lose to him??

Bizarre logic or a blatant attempt to undermine Benn for not being American?

[Dave's Top Ten]

So for Benn to be better than McClellan, he would have had to lose to him??

Bizarre logic or a blatant attempt to undermine Benn for not being American?

Im not sure why, as an Englishman, I would be biased against Benn for not being an American. I was a BIG Benn fan and was no particular fan of McClellan. It's my opinion that if the tragic injury which befell Gerald early on in the fight (which was a freak accident, relatively speaking) had not happened, Benn would have been stopped, despite his huge fighting heart and significant ability. McClellan was a superior fighter than Benn imo.

[rendog67]

Im not sure why, as an Englishman, I would be biased against Benn for not being an American. I was a BIG Benn fan and was no particular fan of McClellan. It's my opinion that if the tragic injury which befell Gerald early on in the fight (which was a freak accident, relatively speaking) had not happened, Benn would have been stopped, despite his huge fighting heart and significant ability. McClellan was a superior fighter than Benn imo.

and another huge benn fan is agreeing with this.

I think eubank goes the distance with almost any middleweight in history, but we never seen the full peak of the g man and im saying that he could be the man to stop eubank, his power and aggression were freakish.

[Holmes' Jab]

I think Eubank would take this one to the scorecards, and win the decision. McClellan's frightening power would be a huge factor right up until the final bell, though I personally don't McClellan would land quite often enough on Eubank to sway the fight in his direction. Should Eubank choose to trade at close quarters though, he'd be in danger of getting stopped despite his solid chin: McClellan could potentially close the show on virtually anybody if he landed enough accumulative heavy leather.

Still, Eubank: UD.

[Rebel-INS]

I think Mclellan could've been great, but did he seriously knock anyone out who had anywhere near as good a chin as Eubank?

[Ezzard]

Eubank would win a tight decision. McClellan would be in with a guy just as strong as him and who would fight him all night.

Eubank would have to have trained properly but he's too smart for McClellan

[Sister Sledge]

I think McClellan's power is a bit overrated. He was a big hitter, but his power wasn't on the level of, say a Julian Jackson. He didn't even knock out the weak-chinned Dennis Milton. He did have a great chin, though. With this being said, Eubanks was physically just as strong as G-Man. The problem is that Chris was a much more rounded fighter, with a great chin to boot. I think Eubanks takes a tough decision in this one.

[Dave's Top Ten]

I think McClellan's power is a bit overrated. He was a big hitter, but his power wasn't on the level of, say a Julian Jackson. He didn't even knock out the weak-chinned Dennis Milton. He did have a great chin, though. With this being said, Eubanks was physically just as strong as G-Man. The problem is that Chris was a much more rounded fighter, with a great chin to boot. I think Eubanks takes a tough decision in this one.

Take a look through the YouTube archives - McClellan had extraordinary power. IMO opinion it was Eubank who was overated. Time has made people forget what his reign as champ was really like. A lot of very tedious, and more importantly, close and controversial decision victories. The guy claimed to be a master boxer, but in reality he campaigned more on his toughness and doggedness. His brave performances against JC and Carl Thompson leave everyone with fonder memories of him than his title reigns probably deserve. McClellan, Toney, Nunn, Jones, McCallum, Graham would have all beaten him. Michael Watson had his number and Michael was no more than decent at world level (completely outclassed with ease by McCallum).

[rendog67]

I think McClellan's power is a bit overrated. He was a big hitter, but his power wasn't on the level of, say a Julian Jackson. He didn't even knock out the weak-chinned Dennis Milton. He did have a great chin, though. With this being said, Eubanks was physically just as strong as G-Man. The problem is that Chris was a much more rounded fighter, with a great chin to boot. I think Eubanks takes a tough decision in this one.

dont agree with anything you said there apart from g man didnt knock out milton. That was a six rounder anyway.

[PhillyPhan69]

I think McClellan's power is a bit overrated. He was a big hitter, but his power wasn't on the level of, say a Julian Jackson. He didn't even knock out the weak-chinned Dennis Milton. He did have a great chin, though. With this being said, Eubanks was physically just as strong as G-Man. The problem is that Chris was a much more rounded fighter, with a great chin to boot. I think Eubanks takes a tough decision in this one.

Since no one else said it good call, although I do think G-Man had better power than you called. Eubank is vastly underated...totally dismantled Benn, I see no reason to believe that he would not pick McClellan apart later in the fight and pull out a clear (not one sided) UD!

[Russell]

Erm, he didn't dismantle Benn, in any way shape or form.

[PhillyPhan69]

Erm, he didn't dismantle Benn, in any way shape or form.

How so?????

[Russell]

One fight was a draw and the other was very, very close.

Not my defintion of dismantling.

[Dave's Top Ten]

How so?????

Well he did in the first fight against a caveman Benn. In the rematch Nigel was his match and was in no danger of getting dismantled.

[PhillyPhan69]

One fight was a draw and the other was very, very close.

Not my defintion of dismantling.

The 2nd fight was a draw and neither guy was near their best...nor did either guy do enough to win! (although I scored 115-113 Eubank). The first fight eubank caught benn under the eye in the 3rd or 4th..and exploited it the rest of the fight. Benn did score a flash KD (and not a slip as Eubank protested), but Eubank went right back and continued his plan amidst constant fouling and still found Benns defense wide open...finally Steele stopped the fight. Not quite what I call even?

[The Kurgan]

This is an interesting one, because while McClellan had the power of a light-heavyweight, Eubank had the chin of a heavyweight. To put it in perspective: Eubank took flush shots from Carl Thompson, one of the biggest cruiserweight punchers since the division was created, and wasn't close to being knocked down.

I think that Eubank's combination of superior skill, considerable power, better stamina, psychological warfare, tactical superiority, and physical strength would win this one for him. McClellan would be game all night thought.

Eubank by a close points win.

[superdan1875]

This is an interesting one, because while McClellan had the power of a light-heavyweight, Eubank had the chin of a heavyweight. To put it in perspective: Eubank took flush shots from Carl Thompson, one of the biggest cruiserweight punchers since the division was created, and wasn't close to being knocked down.

I think that Eubank's combination of superior skill, considerable power, better stamina, psychological warfare, tactical superiority, and physical strength would win this one for him. McClellan would be game all night thought.

Eubank by a close points win.
fantastic analysis.

i think that eubank would have approached this fight (if it were to happen) in the same way as he approached the first fight with benn.

"this man is not going to knock me out"

he could outbox mcclellan as he did benn and would therefore either win a late knockout or points victory!

[McGrain]

G-Man as power-happy. Power-happy fighter comes up agianst an iron-chin he often finds himself in trouble. I'd go with Eubank. In my opinion you have to go to 175 to find a man who could stop him and that man would be Bob Foster.

[teeto]

I'm leaning towards McLellan, only because he would make Eubank work and he could land more. Eubank punches hard but it's not going to be a one shot ko from a counter then a follow up onslaught, i just don't see it. Eubank could do the better boxing being slick, but i just don't see it as enough, McLellan was good punching at range. He'd lose rounds getting outfoxed but i'd take him down the stretch by making it a war.

[Genesis]

Yet again people.

You are forgeting something. McClennan has never gone the 12 round distance. If he can't KO Chris in the first 4 rounds why would he KO Chris at all?

He barely went past 6 rounds his entire career.

He never had a great defence, however he had a fantastic chin.

Benn was able to take Gerald out of his usual comfort zone, we had to see Gerald trying to outbox Benn rather than his usual blastouts because he was surprised by Benn's power.

McClennan would have probably lost to the likes of a Middleweight James Toney in that time era, he was not unstoppable, but he was a frightening puncher.

Remember, Benn did BEAT McClennan, and Benn was past his peak. Eubank has a better chin than Benn. He does not have Benn's power but Eubank pre-Watson could bang a bit.

There is no historical evidence of Gerald McClennan being able to KO Chris Eubank or vice versa, but when you want to put Eubanks heart and chin into the bargain, when you consider that weighing under 190 and taking punches from a muscular cruiserweight (who later stops David Haye) and in my opinion won the fight, his chin is too proven.

If the fight goes the distance Chris wins in my opinion. You don't even known if Gerald has the stamina.

[Mantequilla]

Gerald's style is made for a sharp Eubank.Only way i see him winning with both at their best is if he maintains a pace at least as high as Watson did in the rematch with Eubank, which is someonthing we didn't see him do.

[atberry]

Eubank at his best too loose and flexible for McClellan to box him or even box with him. McClellan was quite stiff in the body (for a fighter who didn't block) and relatively slow of foot, though he had good balance.

It's his (GM) punching that stands out. He had a fairly decent range-finding jab and could circle an opponent, get in range well to land a hard right or punch from range well with the big overarm right. His left hook to the body was by far his best weapon, best single attribute even. Most of his KD's and KO's, even the 10-counts, were from the left hook downstairs (with pin-point accuracy), not the right hand (though he clearly had an extremely heavy right hand).

He (GM) looked quite athletic, tall and big for an MW and well-sculptured/chiseled without a great deal of muscle mass. A potential phenom, maybe. We don't know.

But he is really quite unproven compared to Eubank. Guys like Watson, Rocchigiani, Malinga, Thornton and Lindell Holmes and even Ronnie Essett were much cuter and more assured and experienced technicians/tacticians than the guys McClellan was knocking about with.

Sanderline Williams was just a gatekeeper, though he did knock Sanderline down for the one time in his career, which is impressive, McClellan.


If he rushed Eubank or constantly looked for the lunging right, I can't see him finding much joy with Eubank's cool, calm cat-like operation.

Boxed him? He was a few inches taller than Eubank with a longer natural reach. But no, stylistically I can vision Eubank being too flexible and loose for McClellan's approach.

Probably looking at an interesting 12-rounder, Eubank getting a decision.

[Boro chris]

Not sure about this one. Mclennans body punching could be a worry for Chris.

[sugarsean]

Take a look through the YouTube archives - McClellan had extraordinary power. IMO opinion it was Eubank who was overated. Time has made people forget what his reign as champ was really like. A lot of very tedious, and more importantly, close and controversial decision victories. The guy claimed to be a master boxer, but in reality he campaigned more on his toughness and doggedness. His brave performances against JC and Carl Thompson leave everyone with fonder memories of him than his title reigns probably deserve. McClellan, Toney, Nunn, Jones, McCallum, Graham would have all beaten him. Michael Watson had his number

I agree with your opinions of Eubank and thats coming from a fan of his.

[psilas]

Dave, how the f*ck can you claim to know ANYTHING about boxing when you say silly things like 'Eubank would get stopped in round 6'.

NO ONE ever came close to stopping Eubank at all,let alone in 6 rounds.Watson came closest and got damaged for life.

McClellan lost to an aging Benn but Eubank beat a PRIME Benn which gives us more than a gauge to go on.

You say Watson was just decent fighter based on one dodgy performance against a HOF McCallum.

Watson beat Benn in 6 by KO and slapped Eubank around and even dropped him,until that famous Eubank uppercut and then being unfortunately stopped in the 12th, Watson pwned Eubank.

Watson's career was cut short and cannot be gauged by one poor performance after being out of the ring for a year and even then, he still went 11 with McCallum which is 9 rounds longer than Julian Jackson, though I'm sure you'd be more than quick to suck off Jackson when describing the G Man's win over him.

Watson was world class so STFU.

Mcclellan would NEVER stop Eubank at all, certainly not in 6.

[Joe.Boxer]

The G Man was better than Benn, despite the result. What Benn does, McClellen does better. His power was frightening.

Horrific nonsense.

[manbearpig]

Eubank is superior in everything but power. Decision win for Chri'th. The puncher's chance isn't terribly high for Gerald the cunt McClellan due to Eubank's tremendous punch resistance.

[bigG]

i was/am a huge ben fan, but going on the styles make fights theory we have to adhere to, i think eubank beats g man too....benns career defining victory for me....eubank was an enigma to me, on the nights he put it all togetehr he was amazing, superb reactions, decent, clubbing power, granite chin, superb conditioning and a monster at the weight, a big, big man...

i think this fight is an excitong one for the first 6 rounds as chris acclimatises to g-mans power, style, but then chris pulls away down the home straight, perhaps having gerald on queer street a few times up to a close but clear decsision....

mclelland is another enigmatic fighter, could have been a great, but essentially we will never know because as we know the inspired benn punched the fight out of him and left him ruined, tragically...

[Brighton bomber]

Eubank always looked his best against guys that came to him as he was a pure counter puncher hence why he looked good against guys like Benn and Wharton but then struggled with boxers like Watson and Close.

Gman would come to him which would favour Eubank and despite his vaunted power he aint stopping Eubank. A faded Eubank took full power shots from a big punching cruiser like Thompson so it's pretty far stretch to think he would be able to stop him. He could hurt him even drop him but not knock him out.

I see Eubank winning on points. He was quick enough to out box Gman and had the chin to negate Gman's best weapon.