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About four months ago on October 13th, 2007 I was invited to and attended the 2007 World Boxing Hall of Fame inductions at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Ca. That night I watched five of the Worlds All Time great boxers as well as Cornerman George Benton, Referree Joe Cortez who has been the third man in the ring in 156 World Championship bouts, and Steve Albert (The voice of Showtime Boxing since their inception in 1977) all inshrined in the World Boxing Hall of Fame. The night was filled with exciting moments, lots of Boxing Talk as well as rubbing shoulders with many former Hall of Fame inductees. The greatest fighter at boxing smallest division, Ricardo Lopez was a highlight I will never forget. Then as the night was drawing to a close, there was a special annoncement that a very special guest had just arrived and would be inducted that night into the World Boxing Hall of fame.. Everyone was looking towards the entrance for a glimpse of some legend to walk in and introduce himself.. Then as the front doors to the banquet hall opened up, I witnessed one of the greatest yet saddest moments I had ever experienced as a boxing fan. Steve Albert announced that the World Boxing Hall of Fame was proud to announce the induction of one of the greatest middleweights of all time.. Then with the help of his mother and other family members wheeled in a bed with Gerald McClellan laying there still fighting for his life from the super middleweight title fight with the (Dark Destroyer) Nigel Benn in 1995. His mother spoke of what this meant to him and his family and what they indured getting Gerald to Ontario, Ca. for the induction.As we were told he is still in a semi comatose state, yet as I looked at him during the induction his eyes were rappidly blinking. Which his mother said showed he was acknowledging his presence.. As they played video of Gerald on a large screen, there wasn't a dry eye anywhere in the banquet hall. Thank You to Gerald and his family for all the great memories, We'll never forget you Gerald.
