Photo Credit: Tim Anderson
In a recent meeting between Chris Eubank and Michael Watson, Chris Eubank finally got the chance to offer his sincere apologies for giving him severe brain damage in the 90's.
“ I can’t tell you how sorry I am. That is the only thing I regret in my Career.” Former Boxer Chris Eubank stated in tears. In 1991 Chris Eubank and Watson fought each other in a rematch. During the fight the boxers exchanged punches and it was actually at close ranges.
Michael Watson clearly had an edge over Chris Eubank. In the 11th round, Chris Eubank was knocked down by Michael Watson. Chris Eubank however rallied, stood up and continued the fight.
Chris Eubank shocked everyone by delivering a brutal uppercut. Michael Watson at this point was knocked down but he was clear to fight. However Michael Watson barely kept himself together. Ultimately Chris Eubank was crowned the champion.
However, after the match Michael Watson was not doing very well. Michael Watson was rushed to a hospital where a neurosurgeon evaluated him and diagnosed him with Subdural Haematoma. Michal Watson brain was “squished" by a blood clot and he was forced to undergo an emergency surgery to decompress his brain.
Michael Watson then slipped into a coma for more than a month and has six more re-operations. It was in the slightest chances and odds that Michael Watson even made it. Such brain injuries are considered fatal. The fight did cause a significant amount of brain damage but in true sportsmanship, Michael Watson did actually forgive Chris Eubank.
“ Its all in the past. Let's move on in life. We are here together, lets live in love. God bless you Chris.” Michael Watson said.
The rematch had been arranged in 21st September 1991 at White Hart Lane. The WBO super middleweight title was vacant at the time. Referee Roy Francis was forced to stop the match in the 12th round after the 11th round incident after which Michael Watson had collapsed in the ring. The biggest issue was that there was no ambulance or paramedic at the event. Doctors arrived after more than eight minutes had elapsed.
During which Michael Watson had fallen and received no oxygen at the moment. A total of 28 minutes had elapsed before Michael Watson received treatment from the neuro surgical unit. After regaining consciousness, Michael Watson spent more than a year in the Intensive care and rehabilitation and six more years confined to a wheelchair.
