Hero Watson given hall of fame honour

MICHAEL WATSON will be inducted into the British boxing hall of fame this month in recognition of the inspiration he has provided in his fight against brain injuries suffered in the ring 31 years ago.

The three-time world title challenger, who spent 40 days battling for his life in a coma after a brutal knockout by Chris Eubank in 1991, will be honoured by the British Ex-Boxers Association at a ceremony in London on September 18. Since suffering his horrific injuries, which required Watson to relearn how to talk, read, write and walk after six years in a wheelchair, he has gone on to run a marathon and has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charities.

The 57-year-old told Sportsmail: ‘Going in the hall of fame is a true honour and a privilege. It has really touched my heart that fans and people have not forgotten me and that I have been able to do good from my situation. I am blessed. This has made me very happy.’