MICHAEL WATSON was challenged three times for the world boxing title before his career was abruptly ended.
This week will mark the 30th anniversary Watson's terrible injury against Chris Eubank.
What happened to Michael Watson's life?
Michael Watson's legendary boxing career spans from 1984 to 1991.
His greatest achievement was his victory over Nigel Benn, the British Commonwealth middleweight champion.
In a subsequent world title fight, he was defeated by Mike McCallum of Jamaica. He was then defeated by Chris Eubank in his second title bout.
In his rematch against Eubank, disaster struck.
Round eleven saw Watson look set to become the world champion, leading on points and then knocking Eubank down with an overhead right.
Eubank responded with a devastating uppercut that caused Watson to fall backwards, and he hit his head against the ropes.
Round 12 saw the fight stop. Watson then collapsed in front of the ring.
Amazingly, there were no paramedics or ambulances at the event. Watson was treated by doctors in dinner jackets for eight minutes. During that time, he did not receive oxygen.
Watson was awarded PS1million as compensation for the BBBoC's failure to provide an ambulance or paramedics at the Eubank fight
He was treated in a neurosurgical unit at a hospital within 28 minutes.
Watson would then be in a coma for 40 days and must undergo six brain surgeries to remove the blood clot.
Watson was able to regain consciousness after a year of intensive care and rehabilitation. He also spent six years in a wheelchair and had to learn how to talk and write again.
Watson won the case against the British Boxing Board of Control, earning PS1m as damages.
They were forced to sell their PS400,000 London headquarters in order to pay the settlement.
The judge who presided over the case stated that this figure was "sadly far too low for the damages [Watson] would have received if the defendants had the money, or had they been insure."
What's happened to Michael Watson since then?
Watson completed the London Marathon in 2003 by walking for two hours each morning for six consecutive days.
Chris Eubank, the neurosurgeon who treated him, and Chris Eubank finished the race alongside him. They were both close friends.
Watson received an OBE in 2004 for his services to disability sports, and he was also a torchbearer at the London Paralympics in 2012.
He was robbed in a carjacking that saw Lenard Ballack spray him with ammonia, and then beat him.
Watson was also dragged along with the car as it drove off, and was unable to flee. He suffered flashbacks, seizures and other effects from the accident.
Piers Morgan's Life Stories featured Chris Eubank in 2021. Watson was also there.
Eubank broke down when he was asked about his memories from the Watson fight.
He stated, "You know, you don't know, I don’t know if I can still make sense of it all."
"You know, him going through what he's been through and still being here and it's you, you know, you can't you just know, how sorry...
"I cannot tell you how sorry... It's my only regret in my career, and ...".
Watson tried to console his ex-oppose by saying: "Let's get on with our lives." Peace and love.
"Let's go Chris, it's fine, it's okay bruv. Let's get on with our lives. Peace and love. I love you Chris.
"It's all over, let's move forward in life Chris. We are here together. Let's live together and love. I love you Chris. Let's get on with it.
"We were born warriors. We are real. God bless Chris.
