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Mobile sale of fight: Eubank camp hits back

Accusations of "ghoulish" have been rejected, gently, by a clever PR campaign on behalf of boxer Chris Eubank, after he announced that the famous Eubank-Watson match which left Watson brain damaged, was for sale.

The match can be viewed on a mobile phone. This is the first time the notorious fight has been available to the public since it was broadcast live in September 1991, and after hostile publicity greeted the announcement, the Eubank camp has been on the offensive - charm-wise.

First (says the spin doctor) It's What He Would Have Wanted. Indeed, it's what he wants: Watson himself wants the fight to be watched. "This is a fight which Watson himself is very proud of and feels that his public has a right to see again hence this collaboration. Michael Watson and Chris Eubank will share the profits of both the Eubank/Watson I and II fights," said today's followup.

Second, it's not just a gruesome spectacle. It's an important historical document: "14 million viewers saw the fight live on the 21st September 1991. Viewers will once again be able to witness what is arguably considered to be one of the Top 5 fights in boxing history," insisted the official statement.

And finally, Eubank himself is a sensitive soul. So the Mirror reports: "Boxing legend Chris Eubank choked back tears yesterday as he recalled the traumatic world title fight that left opponent Michael Watson a braindamaged cripple." And it continued: "The 39-year-old former world super middleweight champ said he still could not watch the final three rounds of the epic fight at White Hart Lane which destroyed Watson's life."

But you can. Try not to cry if you do. Eubank, who was declared bankrupt last year, spoke to reporters when announcing the mobile phone download, and apologised for the fact that Watson wasn't there. He himself did speak to Watson:

"I said to Michael, 'how do you feel about the fight and the fact it's never been acknowledged?' said Eubank. "And he said, 'it's wrong'. The public have been deprived of this contest for long enough.

Eubank, reports the Sun,  is asking boxing fans to pay £10 to download the film — which shows him battering Watson. "He is charging double the £5 fee for footage of three of his other fights, reported the daily paper, which also quoted Labour MP Paul Flynn: “This fight was a near tragedy — he was very badly injured. People will be watching one athlete inflict brain damage on another athlete."

Should be really popular, then...

Tags: boxing, Eubank, mobile download, mobile payment