The Fight of Their Lives - itv tonight 5/12/2011

[beansontoast]

This looks like it could be a really good programme about the 1995 fight between Nigel Benn and Gerald McClellan, in which McClellan was badly injured and lost his sight as well as 80% of his hearing.

The Fight of Their Lives
The story of the controversial bout between Nigel Benn and Gerald McClellan for the WBC super-middleweight title in February 1995, which left McClellan severely injured. Following a brutal encounter, the American challenger lost consciousness and underwent emergency surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain. He spent 11 days in a coma and lost his eyesight as well as 80 per cent of his hearing
Category Documentary
Director Gabriel Clarke, John McKenna
Executive Producer Tony Pastor
Producer Gabriel Clarke, John McKenna

http://www.itv.com/thefightoftheirlives/

There's also a 90 minute extended version to be aired on the 13th.

"This isn't a fight, it's a Hollywood script."

Britain's most brutal, controversial fight. Boxing's most compelling story. A new ITV1 documentary revolving around the infamous world championship bout between Nigel Benn and Gerald McClellan in February 1995.

To be screened on Monday 5th December at 10.35pm on ITV1, The Fight of Their Lives is a story of human courage, the search for the truth and for redemption. It is a story that reaches far beyond the ropes of the boxing ring.

Gerald 'The G-Man' McClellan was one of the hardest punchers in history, a fearsome boxer who fought pit-bull dogs. Today he is brain-damaged, cared for by his sister Lisa.

Nigel 'The Dark Destroyer' Benn was a soldier turned world-class boxer, renowned for a playboy lifestyle. Today he lives in Majorca spreading the word of God. Having attempted suicide, he is coming to terms with the life he led and the people he hurt.

"This was a truly great fight. It fulfilled the prophecy." (Don King)

"That was one of the classics. Like the Rumble in the Jungle." (Brendan Ingle)

Benn v McClellan was a classic contest, laced with brilliance and controversy until its tragic end. So many lives were altered that night in 1995.

Benn was knocked down twice but recovered to achieve the most dramatic victory of his career - perhaps of any boxer's career.

The fight has never been shown on TV since and controversy over what happened that night persists today. The stories of the accused, talking for the first time, make for emotional viewing. Unseen footage throws new light on the story.

Boxing legends and A-list witnesses Barry McGuigan, Jim Watt, Frank Bruno and Manny Steward contribute their own powerful testimonies.

In 2007 Benn and McClellan were reunited, an incredible moment captured for The Fight of Their Lives. The reunion was meant to bring closure.

However, there have been fresh allegations, further twists and new discoveries made since then.

Interweaving past and present, the amazing narrative of a hidden sporting classic, the emotional testimonies of the accused and the incredible stories of two men, this will be compelling viewing on ITV1.

#fightoftheirlives

Watch The Fight of Their Lives on Monday 5th December at 10.35pm on ITV1

Watch an extended 90-minute version on Tuesday 13th December at 9pm on ITV4

Extra interview footage will be available on this page from Monday 5th December

Donate to The Gerald McClellan trust here (external site) http://geraldmcclellan.com/trust.html

[tronads]

Definitely going to be watching this.
It was one of the best fights I have ever seen. Nigel Ben was ace.

[rIKmAN]

Saw this advertised last week and have been looking forward to it since then.

Nigel Benn was awesome, his fights against Eubank were also classics.

[Zippeyrude]

was it benn or eubanks that fought watson who subsequently got brain damage?

[beansontoast]

was it benn or eubanks that fought watson who subsequently got brain damage?

Eubank. Watched his son fight a couple of weeks ago on telly, noticed a similar mannerism when he was circling backwards like his dad did. Uncanny.

[B.I.G.]

Eubank and that was a classic as well.


Edit:beat me to it.

[rIKmAN]

Eubank. Watched his son fight a couple of weeks ago on telly, noticed a similar mannerism when he was circling backwards like his dad did. Uncanny.

Yeah it is strange seein the mannerisms of his Dad, but hell who wouldn't listen and learn when you have Eubank teaching you the ropes!

Does his son have a lisp as well? That would be surreal!

[beansontoast]

Well that was brilliant, and moving.

[Zippeyrude]

bummer missed it, i see an extended version is due on tuesday....

[tombott]

I caught 3/4 of this last night and it was very compelling and moving.
Will be getting MythTv to record the extended version on ITV4.

[dannyboy]

It's on NG's for those who missed it

[Zippeyrude]

balls missed it again

anz nzbs flying about i wonder

[tronads]

Its on binsearch....note the poster has spelt their there, so search for "the.fight.of.there.lives".

Watched it tonight, it was a good program, that stupid trainer guy with the ridiculous hat is a propper asshole.

[Zippeyrude]

cheers bud

[dannyboy]

Did anyone see the extended version last night? I missed it, and I can't find it on ITV Player or nzbs. Any idea's where I can watch it?

[dannyboy]

For those interested i've found the extended version on YT