McClellan Put on Life Support : Boxing: After Benn knocks him out in London, Detroit super-middleweight requires surgery.

Gerald McClellan, who underwent surgery to remove a blood clot in his brain, was in critical condition on life support after he was knocked out by Nigel Benn in the 10th round of a grueling World Boxing Council super-middleweight title fight Saturday night.

The operation at London Royal Hospital lasted most of the night. Benn, also admitted to the hospital after collapsing in the dressing room, was treated and released.

After being counted out, McClellan, 27, walked to his corner, sat on the floor because no stool had been put there for him and put his head back against the padded corner post.

Then he slumped to one side. Doctors and medics went to the Detroit native, gave him oxygen and put a neck brace on him to make him more comfortable. Ten minutes later, he was carried on a stretcher from the ring.

“Following surgery, he is in an extremely critical condition,” a hospital statement said. “He is being kept heavily sedated on a life support machine, and he’s likely to remain in this condition for some time.

“At present it’s too early to ascertain the extent of any damage he may have sustained. His family are aware of the serious situation, and we expect them to arrive from America sometime today.”

While McClellan was being treated, Benn, clearly unaware of his condition, ran around the ring celebrating a victory few expected before he also fell because of exhaustion.

“Mr. Benn was checked over thoroughly and appears to be well,” a hospital statement said. “After any percussive to the brain, it is important for the patient to be watched carefully. This will be the case with Mr. Benn, and obviously if he has any problems he will be followed up immediately.”

Before leaving the ring, Benn (40-2-1) shouted at those who did not believe him capable of winning the fight.

“All you lot were giving me this, giving me that. I knew he wasn’t going to be able to go the distance,” Benn said.

Benn survived a first-round battering and a mid-fight pounding from McClellan (32-3). Benn, 31, was punched through the ropes in the first 35 seconds but produced a stunning comeback to retain his title for the seventh time.

Benn, who weighed 168 pounds to McClellan’s 165, put McClellan on the floor 55 seconds into the 10th round with a right hand, and at 1:46 delivered a right uppercut that dropped McClellan again.

He stayed on one knee while referee Alfred Azaro made the count. When it was over, McClellan walked to his corner.