Just finished reading this, and have to say i was a little dissapointed. It seemed like it skimmed over so much, and was pretty repetitive. I'd been looking forward to this, but it seemed to lack much detail in most areas.
Obviously, a lot of the stuff pertaining to life before the terrible injury is probably lost to Watson, so that is understandable, but it seemed like so much more could have been taken from his recovery, it didn't seem very meaty.
Bits of the book were very uplifting, and inspirational of course, especially the stuff to do with the Marathon walk. I'm not being churlish as I have great respect for what Michael Watson achieved, but just felt that considering the subject matter, a deeper look at what it felt like to be in Michael Watson's position would have been more interesting. Maybe that was something Michael chose not to delve into more than he did, i don't know, but i came away from reading the book strangely dissatisfied.
Still, happy to contribute my £7.99.
As an aside.
A while back I contacted the brain and spine foundation, I wanted to write a piece to publicise Watson's fundraising efforts for the charity, and what the charity did. I think this was some time after the Marathon run. I was surprised to hear back from a woman there demanding payment for an interview. When i pointed out i was trying to do my bit to help publicise the charity to a new audience, and that I wasn't going to be making any money from the piece, I never heard back from her......
Michael Watson book
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jamesmcdonnell
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 45231
- Joined: 12 Nov 2003, 06:11
As another aside, one thing which came out of the book which I wasn't aware of, was allegedly's role in sorting out the mess that resulted from Watson's successful court case against the board.
Warren made it clear to the board (according to Watson) that unless they coughed and and got their thumbs our of their arses, he would refuse to pay any sanctioning fees to them for future bouts. this prompted them to sell their old building in the city, and resulted in the end of the lengthy process.
Warren gets a bad rap, as do many promoters, for being a heartless shark, but you have to say it was a selfless act.
Warren made it clear to the board (according to Watson) that unless they coughed and and got their thumbs our of their arses, he would refuse to pay any sanctioning fees to them for future bouts. this prompted them to sell their old building in the city, and resulted in the end of the lengthy process.
Warren gets a bad rap, as do many promoters, for being a heartless shark, but you have to say it was a selfless act.
Like you i was a bit disappointed in the Watson book for the same reasons. It was a decent read but left me feeling there was so much more that could of been told or said in much the same way as wayne mccullough's book lacked detail. It was inspirational in parts but for inspiration you'll go a long way to find a better book than Lance Armstrong's autobiography.
Until i read the Watson's book i hadnt been aware of how far allegedly had gone in Watson's interests and it did slightly alter my opinion on Warren.
Until i read the Watson's book i hadnt been aware of how far allegedly had gone in Watson's interests and it did slightly alter my opinion on Warren.
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MightyWarrior
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 13262
- Joined: 23 Jan 2003, 14:01
IMO... Bunce is a plonker who tries to be to boxing what that clown McCririck is to racing. When he was on BBC during the "Audley" days I used to turn the volume down when he was on.
I bought the book at the 2004 Boxing Momoribilia Fare at the Novotel, and got it signed by Watson. I have to say that it was quite a moving experience to meet him, and to realise how much progress he had made. When I read the book it made me appreciate this even more, as it brought home the reality of the terrible state that he was in in the weeks after the fight.
As books go it's not great - but it's well worth a read.
Ref Frank W.... yes, he leaned heavily on the Board,and he also put on a charity night for Watson to raisea considerable sum of money.
J
I bought the book at the 2004 Boxing Momoribilia Fare at the Novotel, and got it signed by Watson. I have to say that it was quite a moving experience to meet him, and to realise how much progress he had made. When I read the book it made me appreciate this even more, as it brought home the reality of the terrible state that he was in in the weeks after the fight.
As books go it's not great - but it's well worth a read.
Ref Frank W.... yes, he leaned heavily on the Board,and he also put on a charity night for Watson to raisea considerable sum of money.
J
Not sure, and can't bring myself to disturb the boxes full of old of Boxing News, but I think it was at the Grosvenor House Hotel.KOJOE90 wrote:Was that the one shown on SKY TV and Chris Eubank and Chris Pyatt boxed each other in an exhibition?john2345 wrote:Ref Frank W.... yes, he leaned heavily on the Board,and he also put on a charity night for Watson to raisea considerable sum of money.
J
Google search is quicker than trying to locate the old edition of the BN....! Here's a "cut & paste" from a web "hit"....(I've edited out some of the padding)
Article dated
Thursday 30th May 2002
Watson's special night
CHINGFORD boxer Michael Watson has been boosted this week by the support of a host of former champions for his benefit night later this year.
Promoter allegedly has organised this charity night to help Michael raise the money he needs for his future care.
Former greats including Frank Bruno, Barry McGuigan and Lloyd Honeyghan turned out in force on Monday to join Watson at the benefit launch at the Grosvenor House, along with his mother Joan and uncle Joe, who along with his strong faith in God have been instrumental in his long and amazing road to recovery.
And while Watson's opponent at White Hart Lane on that fateful night of September 21 1991 was unable to be present at the launch he has already booked a table for the benefit night at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on Monday July 8.
Warren said: "We are here for the most courageous man in boxing, a man who has been to the worst places you can go and has come through it.
"Everyone in boxing is working together to help Michael and his family improve his quality of life."
Warren, who played a big part in brokering a settlement in the long-running courtroom dispute between Watson and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) over liability for his injuries, is completely funding the night through his Sports Network company.
In October Watson picked up a £400,000 settlement which was well short of what he needs to pay for the constant care he needs for the rest of his life.
At the launch Warren pledged: "All the proceeds will go to Michael. There will not be a deduction for anything. We want to show boxing can give something back to the people who matter like Michael Watson." pledged Warren.
A delighted Watson, who was known as the People's Champion, said: "I'm overwhelmed after all I've been through. It hasn't been easy."
End of article..
J
Article dated
Thursday 30th May 2002
Watson's special night
CHINGFORD boxer Michael Watson has been boosted this week by the support of a host of former champions for his benefit night later this year.
Promoter allegedly has organised this charity night to help Michael raise the money he needs for his future care.
Former greats including Frank Bruno, Barry McGuigan and Lloyd Honeyghan turned out in force on Monday to join Watson at the benefit launch at the Grosvenor House, along with his mother Joan and uncle Joe, who along with his strong faith in God have been instrumental in his long and amazing road to recovery.
And while Watson's opponent at White Hart Lane on that fateful night of September 21 1991 was unable to be present at the launch he has already booked a table for the benefit night at London's Grosvenor House Hotel on Monday July 8.
Warren said: "We are here for the most courageous man in boxing, a man who has been to the worst places you can go and has come through it.
"Everyone in boxing is working together to help Michael and his family improve his quality of life."
Warren, who played a big part in brokering a settlement in the long-running courtroom dispute between Watson and the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) over liability for his injuries, is completely funding the night through his Sports Network company.
In October Watson picked up a £400,000 settlement which was well short of what he needs to pay for the constant care he needs for the rest of his life.
At the launch Warren pledged: "All the proceeds will go to Michael. There will not be a deduction for anything. We want to show boxing can give something back to the people who matter like Michael Watson." pledged Warren.
A delighted Watson, who was known as the People's Champion, said: "I'm overwhelmed after all I've been through. It hasn't been easy."
End of article..
J