Author:Kevin Mitchell
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. And he never got up.
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.
William Hill Sports Book of the Year Finalist.
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 ScotsmanPowerfully taut account of Benn v McClellan brawl captures boxing’s farce and nobility
—— ObserverThe boxing book to end all boxing books... compellingly unputdownable
—— GuardianTold in clear, spare prose, Miller's warm celebration of Ali will have readers cheering for the man who calls himself "The Greatest of All Times" - and for his Boswell too
—— Publishers WeeklyMiller's memoir is every fan's ultimate dream-come-true. This is a tender, terrific one-of-a-kind book - a must-read
—— Ron Shelton director and writer (Bull Durham, White Men Cant's Jump)A masterpiece
—— Scotland on SundayYou would class Paul in the top bracket. I always likened him to Colin Bell - he had that great ability to get up and down the park.
—— Tony BookIt was like having one of your mates playing for City. He would've captained England. No question. He was - and remains - one of us
—— Noel GallagherPaul Lake was the most gifted in the group of young players who brightened Manchester City up for fans in the 1980s who were pining for the glory days to return...his is an inspirational human story
—— David Conn , The GuardianHis memoir - I'm Not Really Here - spares nothing in the raw details of what Lake endured. A football read even more harrowing than an England player's World Cup diary
—— SportEnke had often talked to his friend Reng, a journalist-cum-novelist, about writing a book together. Now Reng has done it alone, beautifully...this is the mature work of a writer who has gone far beyond sensationalism. It allows you to turn back and read football differently
—— New StatesmanIt should be on every British football fan's reading list
—— Ben East , MetroA masterpiece… I have read few other books, fiction or non-fiction that is so startlingly sensitive, honest and sincere
—— Bundesligafanatic.comIt’s pitched perfectly – intensely moving without becoming overly emotional or morbid
—— Sharon Wheeler , Times Higher EducationThis seductive book will engage those who don’t know a googly from a doosra and enlighten those who do
—— Independent
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