Michael Watson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Michael WatsonMBE |
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Watson in 2008
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| Statistics | |
| Nickname(s) | The Force |
| Rated at |
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| Nationality | British |
| Born | 15 March 1965 London, England |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 30 |
| Wins | 25 |
| Wins by KO | 21 |
| Losses | 4 |
| Draws | 1 |
Michael Watson (born March 15, 1965) is a famous British former professional boxer. He competed from 1984 to 1991. Michael was a Commonwealth middleweight champion. He also fought for world titles three times. Sadly, his boxing career ended early in 1991. This happened after a serious injury during a fight against Chris Eubank for the WBO super-middleweight title.
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Becoming a Boxer: Michael's Early Career
Michael Watson started boxing when he was 14 years old. He joined the Crown and Manor boxing club. He learned very quickly and won a London Schools title in 1980. This was for boxers under 71 kilograms.
He had a great record at the Crown and Manor Club, winning 20 fights and losing only 2. Later, he moved to the Colvestone Boxing Club. There, he trained with other famous boxers like Kirkland Laing. In 1984, he won a national title for boxers under 75 kilograms. On his 19th birthday, he had a big fight against John Beckles. Michael won in just over 30 seconds! Many people thought he would go to the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. However, another boxer, Brian Schumacher, took that spot.
Michael Watson's Professional Boxing Journey
Michael Watson became a professional boxer in 1984. His career lasted until 1991. A big moment was in May 1989. He won against Nigel Benn to become the British Commonwealth middleweight champion. This win led to a world title fight against Mike McCallum from Jamaica. Michael lost that fight in the eleventh round.
On June 22, 1991, Michael fought Chris Eubank for another world middleweight title. Eubank won by a small margin. Many fans and experts thought the fight was very close.
The Rematch and a Life-Changing Injury
Because the first fight was so close, a rematch was set for September 21, 1991. This time, they were fighting for the WBO super-middleweight title. Michael was ahead on points in the 11th round. He even knocked Eubank down. But Eubank quickly got back up. He then landed a powerful punch that caused Michael to fall. Michael hit the back of his head on the ropes.
The referee stopped the fight in the 12th round. Michael then collapsed in the ring. There was no ambulance or paramedic right there. Doctors arrived after more than eight minutes. Michael did not get oxygen during this time. It took 28 minutes for him to get to a hospital. He had six brain operations to remove a blood clot.
Michael was in a coma for 40 days. After waking up, he spent over a year in intensive care. He also spent six more years in a wheelchair. Slowly, he started to move again. He also learned to speak and write. His neurosurgeon, Peter Hamlyn, said Michael's recovery was "extraordinary."
Life After Boxing: A Champion's Spirit
Michael Watson later sued the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC). He said they were careless about medical care at the fight. He won his case. The court said that giving Michael oxygen right away would have helped him a lot. The BBBoC had to pay Michael compensation.
On April 19, 2003, Michael achieved something amazing. He completed the London Marathon. He walked for two hours each morning and afternoon for six days. He raised money for the Brain and Spine Foundation. Chris Eubank and Peter Hamlyn, his neurosurgeon, walked with him at the finish line. They had become his close friends.
In 2004, Queen Elizabeth II gave Michael the MBE award. This was for his work helping people with disabilities in sports. Michael was also a torchbearer for the 2012 Paralympic relay.
In February 2017, Michael and his carer were victims of an attack in Chingford, London. Michael was dragged along the road when the car was driven away. He suffered flashbacks and seizures after this event. The attackers were later sent to prison.
Michael's career-ending fight was shown in a mini-documentary called Four Kings. He appeared in the final episode. Michael has said that he never blamed Chris Eubank for his injury.
Michael Watson's Boxing Record
| 30 fights | 25 wins | 4 losses |
| By knockout | 21 | 2 |
| By decision | 4 | 2 |
| Draws | 1 | |
Michael Watson had a professional record of 25 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw. He won 21 of his fights by knockout.
See also
In Spanish: Michael Watson para niños
