BBC Boxing Commentator Harry Carpenter Has Died Aged 84

The 84-year-old former TV sports presenter died at King’s College Hospital, London, on Saturday. He leaves a widow and one son.

His lawyer David Wills said: "He had been unwell since last summer when he had a minor heart attack. The funeral has not been arranged but will be a family funeral, to be followed by a memorial service in London."

Carpenter became closely identified with former heavyweight world champion Frank Bruno, whose catchphrase "Know what I mean, Harry?" featured in their post-fight interviews.

He worked as a sports reporter on national newspapers before joining the BBC and commentated on major sporting events including Wimbledon and the university boat race. But it was as the public face - and voice - of the corporation’s boxing coverage that he became best known.

Boxing promoter Frank Maloney said: "He was probably one of the greatest commentators of all time. His voice was so distinctive and I remember all those Ali fights and Bruno fights he commentated on - it’s like a piece of boxing history has been taken away."

Bruno has yet to release a statement but is said to be "very upset and shocked" by the death of his friend.

A spokesman for the former WBC world champion said: "Frank was not aware of it. He is very upset and at the moment he does not want to give a statement, but has asked me to put some words out to say it was a real shock to him.

"He was obviously part of Frank’s up and coming career from the early days when Harry used to commentate, particularly at the Royal Albert Hall, on Frank’s boxing. Then they became a bit of a double act with the ’Know what I mean, Harry’ thing. From there they went on to do appearances together almost like a little cabaret act.

"The most exciting time was probably the Tyson fight when even Harry Carpenter, who was quite a cool man, sort of lost his cool. Frank says he will be giving a statement but at the moment he is very upset and shocked by it."

Published 23/03/2010 | Ref: KRIS IRWIN ESF

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