The Tribute thread - To all those that have suffered damage in the ring

[K-Nan]

Kaynan that is such a great story I never heard that. I really got quite emotional reading that. Thanks and I'll blame the emotion on the couple of rums I've had tonight.

Read the ending, it's even more of a tear-jerker:

.....He gets up, kisses Gerald's hand and says, 'Sorry.' Except Stan said later he never heard Nigel say that.

He heard something else, though.

Don King arrived soon after Benn to see the man who had been his fighter, the product he hoped would generate big money, but who would now definitely not play any further part in King's plans. Standing not far from Gerald's bed, Don turned to Stan and Donnie and said, 'Gerald quit, man ... He quit like a dog.'

Some dog.

[Thread Stealer]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/athletics/photo_galleries/2960541.stm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/raiseyourgame/pages/michael_watson.shtml

Colin Jackson: You are a huge inspiration to young people. Who inspires you?
Michael Watson: Role models in life like Muhammad Ali - he gave me great inspiration when I was younger. I hope I am following his example. He's charismatic and, in times of adversity, you see him smiling, even through the difficult moments in life. He's very strong and an inspiration to me.

CJ: You're a very strong man too. What motivates you? What keeps you going?

MW: I love life. I just love people. Life means so much to me. People are important to me.

Everything happens for a purpose. Since I had this accident I've been changed for the better as a person. I meet wonderful people, my life is elevated each and everyday. [After the boxing accident] I had to move on. Let bygones be bygones, it's done. There's a lot more for me to live for, I can give people an injection of inspiration.

Name:
Michael Watson

Event:
Boxing

Achievements:
MBE;
Commonwealth Middleweight Champion;
London Marathon;
Helen Rollason Award for Courage and Achievement in the face of adversity.
CJ: What about the London marathon? What was that like?

MW: It was fantastic. I enjoyed it very much. Once upon a time I couldn't walk and I couldn't talk, but look - thanks to the forces of God.

It's all in the mind. You've got to know what you can do - tunnel vision, work on the positive rather than the negative. If you understand your potential - I knew I had the fighting spirit intact and then it's down to preparation, pushing yourself to the limits. I don't look at situations - I look through situations, through the process, look for the finish. I saw myself crossing the line, and when I did it I really did feel whole, I felt complete.

Being part of the Olympic Torch Relay means the world to me. It's wonderful to be selected for this event, I'm touched. I feel very enthusiastic and happy to be competing in this event - it's wonderful!

CJ: What's your advice to young people?

MICHAEL WATSON was the first man to defeat British Middleweight legend NIGEL BENN when they fought in Finsbury Park in May 1989. All 22 of Benn's previous opponents had crumbled to his fearsome punches, but Watson weathered the storm and triumphed by the sixth round.

Where there is life, there is always hope. Don't give in - stay positive and have faith in yourself.

Set yourself one task each day and, however hard and however long it takes, complete it.

In doing this, your sense of achievement and purpose will become stronger.

If you feel like crying - cry.

Go out as much as possible and try to do a few everyday things. Try to be with other people and talk to them as much as possible. Your strength will inspire them and their presence will strengthen you.

Your motto should be: 'I can and I will' - and believe it.

[Thread Stealer]

Watson completes marathon challenge


Each mile, every step of the way, I got stronger

Michael Watson
Watson's marathon in pictures
Brain damaged ex-boxer Michael Watson has completed the London Marathon, six days after he set out.
Watson, who has been raising money for the Brain and Spine Foundation, was accompanied on the final leg by Chris Eubank - the fighter who left him with the injuries that almost cost his life.

"I feel super," Watson said after completing the marathon.

"I feel extremely overwhelmed. Look at the support - how could I go wrong? There are a few blisters on my feet, that's about it. I've loved all of it.

"Each mile, every step of the way, I got stronger. Each and every day the crowd got larger and larger. It's been fantastic - I've enjoyed myself from day one."

Asked what had carried him through the journey, Watson told reporters: "My faith in Jesus Christ.

"My people have done a lot for me in my life I want to pay my respect to them."

During the marathon Watson, who is partially paralysed, covered two miles every morning and afternoon.

Each mile took him an hour to walk with Watson resting and sleeping in a support bus following him along the route.


Chris Eubank joined Watson for the final mile
Watson's epic journey

Before setting out with 33,000 other competitors last Sunday, Watson received messages of support from Muhammad Ali and current WBC champion Lennox Lewis.

Along the way he was met by the likes of Audley Harrison and Frank Warren from the world of boxing and comedian Ricky Gervais as well as hundreds of other well-wishers.

Former boxer Spencer Oliver, who also suffered brain damage, also joined Watson and Eubank for the final mile.

After collapsing in the 12th round of his 1991 title fight against Eubank, Watson spent 40 days in a coma and had six brain operations.

Doctors predicted Watson would never walk again.

He spent years in a wheelchair and does not have full use of the left side of his body.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/athletics/london_marathon_2003/2960025.stm

[ferocity]

r.i.p to all the fallen warriors.

tomorrow on espn classic griffen vs. parret will be shown

[Hard Dick]

Great Gerald McClellan video on the first post, its sad to see him in his condition nowadays.

[-CANE-]

Read the ending, it's even more of a tear-jerker:

.....He gets up, kisses Gerald's hand and says, 'Sorry.' Except Stan said later he never heard Nigel say that.

He heard something else, though.

Don King arrived soon after Benn to see the man who had been his fighter, the product he hoped would generate big money, but who would now definitely not play any further part in King's plans. Standing not far from Gerald's bed, Don turned to Stan and Donnie and said, 'Gerald quit, man ... He quit like a dog.'

Some dog.

Don King disgusts me, he is out for number 1 and doesn't care about anyone else.

Gerald McClellan fought on till he could fight no more. He will be remembered as a fighter till the end by me and never a quitter.

Does anyone know anything about the G-Man now. What's his condition like, does he still follow boxing.

Anymore stories on Gerald will be appreciated.

Thanks again Kaynan

[-CANE-]

Watson completes marathon challenge


Each mile, every step of the way, I got stronger

Michael Watson
Watson's marathon in pictures
Brain damaged ex-boxer Michael Watson has completed the London Marathon, six days after he set out.
Watson, who has been raising money for the Brain and Spine Foundation, was accompanied on the final leg by Chris Eubank - the fighter who left him with the injuries that almost cost his life.

"I feel super," Watson said after completing the marathon.

"I feel extremely overwhelmed. Look at the support - how could I go wrong? There are a few blisters on my feet, that's about it. I've loved all of it.

"Each mile, every step of the way, I got stronger. Each and every day the crowd got larger and larger. It's been fantastic - I've enjoyed myself from day one."

Asked what had carried him through the journey, Watson told reporters: "My faith in Jesus Christ.

"My people have done a lot for me in my life I want to pay my respect to them."

During the marathon Watson, who is partially paralysed, covered two miles every morning and afternoon.

Each mile took him an hour to walk with Watson resting and sleeping in a support bus following him along the route.


Chris Eubank joined Watson for the final mile
Watson's epic journey

Before setting out with 33,000 other competitors last Sunday, Watson received messages of support from Muhammad Ali and current WBC champion Lennox Lewis.

Along the way he was met by the likes of Audley Harrison and Frank Warren from the world of boxing and comedian Ricky Gervais as well as hundreds of other well-wishers.

Former boxer Spencer Oliver, who also suffered brain damage, also joined Watson and Eubank for the final mile.

After collapsing in the 12th round of his 1991 title fight against Eubank, Watson spent 40 days in a coma and had six brain operations.

Doctors predicted Watson would never walk again.

He spent years in a wheelchair and does not have full use of the left side of his body.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/athl...03/2960025.stm

A couple of great posts thread stealer, cheers.
Even before the tragedy happened I was a big Watson fan and someone I really admired as a person as well as a fighter. I find it incredible the way some people handle adversity and come through it so strong.
Michael Watson is a hero in the truest sense of the word.

[FISTIC ART]

....................

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm......

why dont we pay tribute to all the people dying worldwide.......

i cant cry for a guy knowing that he was gonna get hit in the head...

and could die from it........

i would lament for people getting on a bus in the morning to go to work....

and some ex loser boxer getting on a bus and blowing the shyt up....

because those people didnt know they were gonna get blowin up on that fine morning.....

[ianwigley]

Don King disgusts me, he is out for number 1 and doesn't care about anyone else.

Gerald McClellan fought on till he could fight no more. He will be remembered as a fighter till the end by me and never a quitter.

Does anyone know anything about the G-Man now. What's his condition like, does he still follow boxing.

Anymore stories on Gerald will be appreciated.

Thanks again Kaynan

Here's another story about Gerald:

Gerald McClellan, in the name of fun, used to get two pit bull terriers together in a room and then tape one of their mouths shut, and then let the other dog rip the taped mouthed dog to bits.

Thank you Nigel Benn, for doing us a favour, and rendering this loser almost senseless.

[duffgun]

Here's another story about Gerald:

Gerald McClellan, in the name of fun, used to get two pit bull terriers together in a room and then tape one of their mouths shut, and then let the other dog rip the taped mouthed dog to bits.

Thank you Nigel Benn, for doing us a favour, and rendering this loser almost senseless.

I have seen your posts about this before and although its a nasty thing to do, G-man didnt deserve to be in the condition he is today because of it.