Blackburn helps raise money for McClellan!

07/12/2005

Blackburn helps raise money for McClellan!

Boxing Writers Association of America 2002 Good Guy of the Year Teddy Blackburn is always ready for a good fight, whether it is a world championship to photograph or a world championship cause. The ace boxing photographer has published "In the Other Corner: A Tribute to Gerald McClellan" with the financial backing of promoter Lou DiBella. All the proceeds of the nifty volume, which was nine years in the making, will go to the injured fighter and his family.

The book is priced at $50, and may be purchased via mail by sending a check or money order to: Teddy Blackburn, 2985 Botanical Square, Suite 6E, Bronx, N.Y. 10458. Checks should be made payable to Fighters Need a Hand. For more information contact tblackburn@aol.com.

"In the Other Corner" includes a bevy of wonderful action and candid photographs - from McClellan knocking out Julian Jackson to win the middleweight title to Oscar De La Hoya shooting pool to James Toney enjoying a cigar in the bathtub to great champions like Leon Spinks and Roberto Duran posing for the camera - that are sure to delight fight fans.

Blackburn first met McClellan at the world famous Kronk Gym in Blackburn's hometown of Detroit, Michigan. The two became fast friends forever, and part of the Motor City boxing lore with the likes of Thomas Hearns and Emanuel Steward.

"In the Other Corner" will assist McClellan, who was blinded, nearly deaf and paralyzed from injuries in the 1995 fight against Nigel Benn. Soon after, Blackburn began assisting his old buddy, and has continued ever since.

Blackburn thanks DiBella, who funded the project, and Showtime commentator Steve Farhood, who provided editorial assistance, for their help in making the idea a reality.