Harry Carpenter RIP

Melodeon

Just heard that Harry Carpenter died over the weekend, RIP:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/front_page/8580058.stm

Harry Carpenter, the BBC's 'voice of boxing', dies

Former BBC boxing commentator Harry Carpenter has died at the age of 84.

Carpenter was the BBC's voice of boxing for almost half a century after joining the corporation in 1949, when he first began commentating on the sport.

Known for his double act with British boxing great Frank Bruno, Carpenter also presented Sportsnight, Grandstand and Sports Personality of the Year.

He retired in 1994 and died in his sleep at King's College Hospital in London in the early hours of Saturday.

Carpenter, who also wrote for the Greyhound Express and Daily Mail in the early years of his career, was on air for the "Rumble in the Jungle" between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) in 1974.

He labelled the end of the contest - underdog Ali won by knockout in the eighth round to reclaim the world heavyweight crown at the age of 32 - as "the most extraordinary few seconds that I have ever seen in a boxing ring".

Of Ali himself, Carpenter said: "He is not only the most remarkable sports personality I have ever met, he is the most remarkable man I have ever met."

Carpenter had the privilege of presenting Ali with the BBC's Sports Personality of the Century award in 1999.

A year later, Carpenter recalled: "It was a wonderfully poignant moment. I was very flattered and pleased that I was asked to do the tribute to him.

"It was such a shame to see the old boy tottering about, but we had a chat afterwards and he is still very, very sharp. He remembers all those old days."

Carpenter was a regular Sports Personality of the Year co-host throughout the 1970s and 1980s, having first worked on the programme in 1958, and also covered a wide range of sports for the BBC, including rowing, tennis and golf.

His immediately recognisable, warm broadcasting style earned him plaudits outside the United Kingdom, too.

In 1989, he received American Sportscasters' Association and International Sportscaster of the Year awards.

walshb

My fondest and favorite moment from Harry was his presenting to Ali the Sports Personality Of The Century. That was really magic. The audience, the speech, and the look of respect and awe from those watching Ali in their company.

nacho libre

RIP.

Melodeon

His ongoing double act with Frank Bruno became part of popular culture:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZdePPAlBhI

cowzerp

A true legend in the world of boxing commentary-R,I,P

joepenguin

R.I.P

megadodge

"Knowotoimeanarry"

Poor old Harry. I had a real soft spot for him and really enjoyed his post-fight interviews with Frank Bruno.

My two favourite memories of him are both Bruno related.
One was when Frank finally won the title and he suddenly broke down afterwards saying to Harry that people just called him an "Uncle Tom" (which from one black man to another is the ultimate insult) and Harry was trying to console him. I'm not ashamed to admit it but the tears were welling up in my eyes.

The second was when Harry (who was always so professional) just couldn't help himself in the first round of the first Tyson fight, when Frank landed a cracking left hook Harry lets rip with "get in there Frank".

A great commentator and a lovely man. RIP.

ROCKMAN

Had the privilege of meeting him once, years ago.
A gentleman
A great loss
RIP.

nacho libre

megadodge wrote: »

"
The second was when Harry (who was always so professional) just couldn't help himself in the first round of the first Tyson fight, when Frank landed a cracking left hook Harry lets rip with "get in there Frank".

yes that was superb when he did that, because, as you say, he normally was the consummate professional. Frank Bruno described him as one of his few friends. So I hope Bruno doesn't suffer a relapse due to his passing.