BoxRec

How has Michael been doing since his marathon walk? Anyone know if his physical capabilities have improved further since then and what michael is up to these days?

I contacted the brain and spine foundation, who put me in touch with his publicist/agent whatever. I said I wanted to do a piece on Michael's charity work for a boxing mag and was asked 'how much are you paying?'

That was the end of my enquiries. I'm sure Michael himself wouldn't have reacted that way, but when I informed them that as it was an interview and not a public appearance and it was done with a view to giving information on his charity appeal I had no intention of paying for the priviledge I never heard from them again.

To get a small idea of what Michael Watson has been through mentally, physically, financially etc just read "My Biggest Fight".. His charity work is always well documented through the media.. It doesn't surprise me that people are there to put his financial interests first these days...

I know what Michael Watson's been through, and it's taken incredible courage and fortitude to come through it to the degree that he has. The qualities which made him a great fighter are coming to the fore in his 2nd life too.

I have no problem at all with Michael making a living, I just find it odd that they (the publicist) wanted paying for an interview, that's not how it usually works, at least I haven't found it so. I wouldn't claim to be a trained journalist, but thus far if there's something which benefits both parties, then there's not usually a problem.

Public appearances and the like are a different matter, but interviews, that's something else entirely.

The way I saw it, it benefitted the charity work that Michael does, and gave people an insight into his life since boxing.

It was just after the marathon walk I think, and it would have been extra coverage for his appeal surely? More publicity, especially in a different medium is always a bonus.

I would have considered a real honour to get to speak to him to. I was gutted.

I know what you mean but I can understand how things might work differently in cases like this.. Watson already had national exposure over his marathon appeal.. You couldn't miss the stories covering his sensational achievement..

There can be little doubt that a published interview with eg Watson would generate a lot of interest/sales for any publication and Watson deserves a share of any royalties..

Yeah, but royalties on what exactly? If a newspaper runs a story on Michael Watson, it's publicity, it's not a selling point, it's not like having an "I sucked off Robbie Williams" splashed all over the front page.

Print publications generally pay for things which are not mutually beneficial publicity driven stories, exclusives as they are known, not for something which is being carried by all their competitors.

Also, as far as I am aware, journalists don't usually pay someone for the priviledge of interviewing them, partly because often there's no guarantee you'll make any money from it, or that it will even be printed.


Ah well. I don't begrudge Michael earning what he can from life at all, just wanted to get the opportunity to speak to him.

James, you don't see Parkinson say come to my show for nothing and I'll plug your film all day.

Its the way life is these days, unfortunately.