Gerald McClellan Jr. RCM Interview: Wins Pro Debut By TKO, Dad To Get Stem Cell Treatment
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
In a Real Combat Media international exclusive, southpaw light heavyweight Gerald McClellan Jr., of Beloit, Wisconsin, son of former World Middleweight champion Gerald McClellan, after winning his pro debut at cruiserweight by third-round stoppage, along with his aunt Lisa Jordan (Gerald’s sister and caregiver) talked about his dreams and reasons for turning pro at age 33.
Robert B: Did Gerald’s belts ever make you dream?”
Gerald Jr.: Not the belts, not the accomplishments, it was that I had my father’s love growing up. He was there to guide me when he was there. I had my mother’s love, and that is what inspires me!”
Robert B: “What about your trainer?”
Gerald Jr.: “My trainer Troy Smith believes in me.”
Robert B: “Tell me about your pro debut on Saturday night.”
Gerald Jr.: “Last night was my pro debut. I got the knockdown and the TKO in the third round.”
Robert B: “How was it when your name was announced?”
Lisa Jordan: “95% of the people in attendance at the Wisconsin boxing show Gerald Jr. fought on were from our hometown, and drove over two hours to support Gerald.”
Robert B: “Was your dad aware of your pro debut?”
Gerald Jr.: “Of course. I was on the phone with him before the bout for 30 to 40 minutes. He said son, I love you. I’m proud of you. Go out there and get the win. I have seen him a number of times before my pro debut. He was like continue training, get in there and get the win.”
Robert B: “When you first told your dad you were turning pro, what was the reaction of the G-Man?”
Gerald Jr.: “My dad was very supportive. He said if you’re anything like your dad, you’re gonna dominate the sport of boxing.”
Robert B: “Gerald Sr. must have wanted to attend his son’s debut, but he did not.”
Lisa Jordan: “It was my choice not to take him due COVID-19 (the Coronavirus Pandemic, and Gerald’s ongoing health issues). Did he want to go? Of course he did.”
Robert B: “Why cruiserweight?”
Gerald Jr.: “My fighting weight is approximately 175 pounds light heavyweight. I had four opponents pull out because of my name. Finally, cruiserweight Tahlik Taylor took this fight at cruiserweight on three days of notice.”
Robert B: “How long did you have training camp for?”
Gerald Jr.: “I trained for 60 days! I have supporters and a whole city behind me. I was ready to fight. If I had to go up a few pounds to cruiserweight to do it, so be it. I’m from a small town, making posts of my Instagram and Facebook. I have not been contacted by Golden Boy or Mayweather Promotions, but when the tape gets out of my win, people will be knocking at my door.”
Robert B: “Who or what are you fighting for?”
Gerald Jr.: “I’m fighting for my dad. I’m fighting for me. I’m fighting for the division I’ve got for my whole career. My father was at middleweight. I’m naturally bigger. Dad walked around 180 to 185 pounds. I walk around at 300 to 205 pounds. I don’t want to put in the wear and tear to have to lose too many pounds before the fight. I feel 1275 pounds is perfect for me.”
Robert B: “Is G-Man aware of the COVID situation?”
Lisa Jordan: “Gerald Sr. is aware of it. He got COVID last year. He had it for about 12 days.”
Robert B: “Why go pro at age 33 all of a sudden?”
Gerald Jr.: “I have the genetics and genes passed to me from a world champion. Fighting always came to me (naturally). I was always a fighter!”
Robert B: “You lacked Gerald’s presence to introduce you to the sport of boxing in the gym.”
Gerald Jr.: “I never had anyone to bring me to the gym, due to the circumstances of my father’s injury in the ring (with Nigel Benn in 1995). I did not have the discipline as a child, because I did not have anybody to bring me to the gym. I had nobody to stay on me. I learned street fighting, and the way of the streets. I grew up admiring Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Zab Judah. I always loved the sport of boxing. ”
Robert B: “Did your father’s injury influence your decision or time of turning pro?”
Gerald Jr.: “My father’s injury could not keep me away. I pride myself on being fearless. My mother and my aunt Lisa did not want me to do this because of the injury to my father, but if this is what I’m gonna do, this is what I’m gonna do.”
Robert B: “Would you like to bring a world title home to your dad?”
Gerald Jr.: “Of course I would! My debut is past, and now I move forward. I am a 175 pound hard hitting light heavyweight, and I cannot wait to see what happens with me in the division!”
Robert B: “Lisa, I know you are involved in a film documentary about the lives of eight fighters after boxing, including Gerald, which will be a film project next year in 2022. Can you let the public know about Gerald’s pending stem cell treatment?”
Lisa Jordan: “My brother the G-Man, Gerald Sr., is scheduled to receive his first stem cell treatment in three weeks. The objective will be to bring back as much brain function as possible, even restore his vision.”
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