Security has been stepped up at a dinner to raise money for Gerald McClellan, the injured former boxer, tonight after threats of a protest by animal rights activists. McClellan suffered serious brain injuries in a bout against Nigel Benn 11 years ago and the dinner, at the Grosvenor House Hotel, in London’s Mayfair, is a 1,400ticket sellout.

McClellan was counted out on one knee in the tenth round of an intense WBC super-middleweight title bout at the London Arena, but collapsed soon afterwards. Now he is blind, partially deaf and needs constant care.

Later it emerged that the American had been involved in illegal dog fighting, which is the reason behind the potential protest. “We have had to put on an extra 30 security staff,” Kevin Lueshing, the event’s organiser, said. “The event is to celebrate a champion and people have responded really well.” Audley Harrison has confirmed that he will continue his career after his knockout loss to Michael Sprott on Saturday. “Maybe I am delusional or just plain crazy, but I feel determined to rectify this loss and move on in my career,” he said.

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