War, Baby: The Glamour of Violence

(Paperback)

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Description

25th February 1995 The Dark Destroyer vs the G-Man Nigel Benn and Gerald McClennan. Two men with a reputation to defend - a reputation for brutal, unforgiving combat both in the ring and outside it. Ostensibly, they were fighting for a world title and a lot of money, the stuff of professional boxing. But this fight was different. It was a rare collision of wills, and few present had seen anything like it. After ten of the most gruelling and vicious rounds that the sport of boxing has ever witnessed McClellan finally was defeated. He knelt in his corner on one knee in submission. But then he didn't get up. He was unconscious, a doctor came, an ambulance was called. This is the story of what brought these two men together on the night of 25th February 1995 and how that night changed them forever. It's a story too about those associated with the promotion of public fist-fighting, who bend morality to suit their needs. It's a story that attempts to unravel the glamour of violence.

Reviews

"An acutely intelligent, even-handed analysis of the characters, history and all-round horrible wonders of boxing's brutality and beauty. Solid, straight-talking and as rock'n'roll as sports writing gets" The Scotsman "Powerfully taut account of Benn v McClellan brawl captures boxing's farce and nobility" Observer "The boxing book to end all boxing books... compellingly unputdownable" Guardian

Author Bio

Kevin Mitchell is the boxing and tennis correspondent for the Observer and Guardian. He is the author of Jacob's Beach- The Mob, the Garden and the Golden Age of Boxing, and the co-author of Frank Bruno's autobiography Frank, which won the Best Autobiography category of the British Sports Book Awards.