BBC boxing commenter Harry Carpenter dies aged 84
BBC boxing commenter Harry Carpenter dies aged 84
Monday, 22, Mar 2010 02:07
By Richard James.
Former BBC boxing commentator Harry Carpenter has died at the age of 84, it has been confirmed.
Carpenter, known as 'the voice of boxing', covered the sport almost half a century after joining the corporation in 1949.
He presented BBC programmes such as Sportsnight and Grandstand during his career and as well as boxing, covered events such as Wimbledon and the Oxford-Cambridge boat race.
Carpenter became best-known for his relationship with British heavyweight Frank Bruno and their post-fight interviews helped build the boxer's popularity and coined his catchphrase 'know what I mean, 'arry?'
The veteran presenter eventually retired from the BBC in 1994 after covering every single Olympic Games from 1956 to 1992.
It was confirmed on Monday Carpenter had died at King's College hospital, London during the weekend.
His lawyer David Wills is quoted as Sky News as saying: "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."
Barbara Slater, director BBC Sport, paid tribute to the presenter, saying in a statement: "Harry Carpenter was for decades one of the standout voices of sports broadcasting.
"Harry's passing is a huge loss to the world of sports broadcasting. His journalistic credentials, professionalism and presence marked him out as an inspirational figure for a generation of aspiring presenters, commentators and producers.
"He will be sorely missed by all those who had the good fortune to work with and learn from a master. We send our deepest sympathies to his family."