The Art of Ward: Lisa McClellan Available Now!
In one of the most powerful and revealing episodes of THE ART OF WARD, host Andre Ward sits down with Lisa McClellan, the sister and primary caretaker of former two-time (WBO/WBC) World Middleweight Champion Gerald “G-Man” McClellan. Gerald famously suffered traumatic brain injuries in a 1995 super middleweight bout versus Nigel Benn. Since that tragic night, Lisa has served as his caregiver and launched a foundation, the Ring of Brotherhood, four years ago to help boxing’s fallen warriors and educate current fighters.
Ward delivers a compelling, in-depth interview that covers the arc of McClellan’s career, from childhood and the McClellan family dynamics to his world championship career. Lisa shares never-before-told stories from the build up to, and the night of Gerald’s final fight including a shocking revelation that Nigel Benn’s agent confirmed steroid use that night. Ward candidly speaks about how he was impacted by McClellan’s story, revealing that he was reluctant to learn the details and face the terrible truth during his own in-ring career.
In closing, Lisa McClellan and Andre Ward make a heart-felt appeal to the industry and boxing fans…
McClellan: “If we love these guys when they are on top, we have to continue to love them when they fall and be there to support them. It’s easy to pay $109 to watch a pay-per-view fight but that $109 might help a fighter get his rent paid or get some groceries. Look at all the guys that didn’t make it to the top. They still got brain damage, too, and they have no resources, no one to help.”
Ward: “This is not an average episode. I pray that you watch this and you spread the word. As a boxing fan, you know you’re not obligated to do anything. But, you can help beyond just fight night… So I would just ask you, as a supporter of this channel, to do a little research on Gerald McClellan. Understand where he came from. Understand what type of fighter he was. He was a phenomenal fighter, a dangerous, dangerous man in that ring. If you can, go watch the Gerald McClellan – Nigel Benn fight and get up to speed with this fighter. Who he was. What he sacrificed. And if you feel it in your heart to donate, man, we would appreciate that. And we thank you in advance.”
And to the fighters of today…
Ward: “You’ve got to put yourself in the best position that you can to leave this game with something left for your family. And when you’re doing business with the promoters, with the networks and everybody that’s patting you on the back, just understand it’s a business to them, make it a business for you.
The Ring of Brotherhood is an organization that advocates for fighters who have suffered life-altering sports-related injuries. Offering a wide range of information and services, their mission is to help prevent injuries through education and assist former fighters through health services, counseling, social services and housing assistance.
To get involved or to make a donation, please visit https://ringofbrotherhoodfoundation.org/
THE ART OF WARD: Lisa McClellan premiered today, Tuesday, March 3, on the ATS FIGHT YouTube Channel, on DraftKings Network and on all major audio platforms.
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