The sport of boxing is mourning the loss of popular television commentator Harry Carpenter, who has died at the age of 84.
Legendary commentator passes away
The sport of boxing is mourning the loss of popular television commentator Harry Carpenter, who has died at the age of 84.
Carpenter, who became a household name during Frank Bruno's rise through the heavyweight division in the 1980s, never fully recovered from a heart attack last year.
He started out 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.
Distinctive
Promoter Frank Maloney paid tribute, saying: "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."
A spokesman for former WBC champion Bruno said: "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."
Gentleman
Sky Sports pundit and former world champion Jim Watt said: "Harry and I went way back.
"For many years Harry was the boxing voice of the BBC. He covered all my own world title fights and he commentated on me as an amateur - that's how long back we go.
"He was a real gentleman, a great operator. He was known mostly for his commentaries on boxing but he did various sports.
"I am really sorry to hear he has gone."
Former GB national boxing coach Terry Edwards added: "When you think of boxing sometimes, their commentary was so great, detailed and passionate that you remember their voices as much as you remember the bout.
"If you were to ask me know who would take Carpenter's place there is nobody who could truly take his place - not with the same passion and professionalism.
"He was loved by everybody within boxing. He was respected in boxing not just in Britain but all over the world. He was one of those guys who never had any enemies. He was a lovely guy and always willing to give advice to anyone."
Carpenter leaves a widow and one son.
