Thread: Voice Of Boxing Harry Carpenter Dies Aged 84

Boxing commentator Harry Carpenter has died, a spokesman for his family has said.




The 84-year-old former TV sports presenter died at King's College Hospital, London, on Saturday.


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 leaves a widow and one son.


He became closely identified with Frank Bruno, whose catchphrase "Know what I mean, 'arry?" featured in their post-fight interviews.


A "shocked and upset" Bruno was told of his old friend's death by his agent Dave Davies.




Frank Bruno pictured with Harry Carpenter in 1986



"I have just broken the news to him," Mr Davies told Sky News Online. "He was clearly shocked and upset.


"He couldn't believe me at first.


"Harry was very much part of Frank's early boxing career. They became very good friends and a double act for a number of years."


Mr Davies added: "Frank has many acquaintances but not many real friends. Harry Carpenter was a friend."


Carpenter worked as a sports reporter on national newspapers before joining the BBC where he 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 Carpenter was "the voice of boxing".


He 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."


Former GB boxing national coach Terry Edwards described Carpenter as "a true legend", adding: "He was Mr Boxing as far as commentary goes."


He went on: "If you were to ask me now 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."


Harry Carpenter, Boxing Commentator Dies, Says Family Spokesman | UK News | Sky News

RIP - indeed the voice of boxing and some of his conversations with Frank Bruno were worth bottling !

Again - RIP - "Know what I mean, 'arry?"

^ Should put that on his gravestone.