Know what I mean?

I don't honestly know where this is going. I've had a beer or two...and some...and I heard unsubstantiated reports of the death of someone I know today. So...well, I feel I need to speak about the death of Harry Carpenter. In a way, it's as much about anyone I've known, loved and lost, and I should make clear now that Harry Carpenter was not someone I knew personally, but he was certainly someone special to me.

When I was eight, I had a friend called James Wilkinson who aspired to be a boxer. I still have that friend and he claims to have bloodied my nose at some time in our history. I think Sylvester Stallone had a lot to do with his aspiration and Jim (as I know him now) never did become that boxer. He would have died. Somewhat interestingly, his endeavours since have involved him selling toilet paper to the Queen of England...which I think is excellent, and which goes some way toward answering certain questions about her majesty's throne room requirements.

As a result of Jim's interest in boxing, I started (as is my nature) to research the sport, and became particularly taken by Larry Holmes who was the heavy weight champion at the time. My unconfirmed belief is - speaking of Sly Stallion - that Apollo Creed of the Rocky series was based on Larry Holmes. I'm sure there are plenty of arguments for Ali being the influence there, rhetoric-wise. Larry Holmes was (and still is) my boxing hero but he came a bit unstuck taking on a young Mike Tyson way after his illustrious career had (should have) been put to bed. He badly under-estimated that encounter much like Ali badly under-estimated Holmes in a previous encounter.

Around the same time, I had become aware of Frank Bruno. His outrageous physique, earth shattering power and his humble Englishness was enchanting. Along with much of Britain, I think, I had my hopes on him bringing the (a) heavy weight title back to England. Sadly, Bruno's physique and lack of killer instinct worked against him, but I was rooting for him on the 25th of February 1989 (I had to look that up) when I tuned into BBC radio at a million o'clock in the morning to listen to our Harry providing commentary on the fight live from Las Vegas.

Bruno stood a chance. There's no two ways about it. Catch Tyson right, with that kind of power, and anything can happen. Sadly - while I hoped...desperately, desperately - I, like millions of others, did not entirely believe he was going to do it.

Harry Carpenter had become chummy with Bruno prior to this. He'd commented on many of Bruno's previous contests and Bruno's disarming personality won Harry, a nation, and arguably, the world over. Their 'double act' is legendary in boxing and world sport in general. Rightly so.

Bruno lost, knocked out by the ruthless and (at the time) indomitable Tyson in round 5 ( I had to look that up too). Let it be said that this was officially a TKO, but he was truly done for. Tyson won fair and square.

Harry was a truly professional broadcaster. He knew his subject and he kept himself well educated about all things boxing. His commentary was legendarily unbiased. When Harry uttered the immortal (hopefully) "Get in there Frank!" as Bruno rocked Tyson in the first round, I honestly believed, like him, that the unlikely was imminent. That, to me, is when Harry Carpenter became more than a voice. He understood me...he embraced my desire for Frank Bruno to vanquish one of the scariest and most ferocious boxers of all time. Harry Carpenter so so so rarely divulged his emotions on air. I was one of millions tuned in that night, sat on his shoulder hanging on every word. This is the measure of a great broadcaster. This in particular was an example of his great humanity.

I don't have god, but god bless Harry Carpenter.

Get in there 'arry!