27.04.06 – By Harry Hawkins: The bout that ended Michael Watson’s boxing career, and nearly his life, has been shelved by ITV bosses for almost 15 years; a stunning testament to such a brutal affair. But now former Champion Chris Eubank has made the fight available via his website www.chriseubank.com, with Watson’s consent..
On 21st September 1991, Watson had been dominating Eubank round after round in the Super-Middleweight title rematch from their earlier June bout (of which Eubank won a controversial split decision). In round 11 Watson floored Eubank who was way behind on points, only for the Champion to rise from the deck and send Watson to the canvass.
Watson fell awkwardly, but was saved by the bell. All he had to do was survive the last round to become the new champion but he was in real trouble. The blow from Eubank had caused bleeding in Watson’s brain and the fight was ended in the final round, Watson not really looking like he knew what was going on.
Later Watson collapsed, and then there was a struggle in removing him from the chaotic arena. The problems did not cease there as Watson was then taken to the wrong hospital. He wasn’t given much chance.
After weeks in a coma, Watson pulled through, and has made great physical progress ever since.
In 2003 he completed the London Marathon over a course of several days, finishing the race with an emotional Eubank at his side.
But the fight of 1991 has been a memory that many have tried to erode…. Apart from the two boxers involved.
Eubank, who has been declared bankrupt in the past year, has had a couple of minor brushes with the law in recent time. So when he decided to upload the Watson fight, along with a handful of others, it may have been easy to perceive the move as simple money-spinning.
Yet Eubank, who once dubbed himself ‘Simply the Best’ has decided to split the proceeds with Watson 50-50 and claims it is in both men’s interest, and, according to what Eubank told the BBC, Watson wholeheartedly agrees with him, “he said, ‘it’s wrong’. The public have been deprived of this contest for long enough.”
That war, along with Eubank’s win against Nigel Benn can seen in full for a small fee at www.chriseubank.com