THE long-awaited testimonial dinner for Chingford boxer Michael Watson was finally held on Monday night and proved to be a huge success as key figures from the sport, including greats like Jake La Motta and Lennox Lewis, descended on the Grovesnor Hotel in London's Park Lane to honour the 'people's champion'.

Watson, who was tragically left brain damaged from his epic WBO middleweight title fight with Chris Eubank in 1991, is likely to make as much as £200,000 from the evening that will help to pay for the continued care that the 37-year-old needs.

The night, organised by Frank Warren as part of Watson's settlement with the British Boxing Board of Control after the fighter successfully sued them in 1999 for the negligence that ultimately led to his injuries, was a huge success as 105 tables sold out and saw an auction which included a signed pair of Muhammad Ali gloves which went for £10,000.

"I'm so proud to be known as the people's champion," said Watson, who was never a world champion but has earned the accolade for the way he has emerged from the dark years of constant rehabilitation.

He continued: "I love my mother and I love God, and I want to thank everyone for all they have done for me."

Warren also added: "I would like to thank everyone for their generosity, and wish Michael and his family all the best for the future.

"Hopefully this event has gone some way to ensuring that Michael has a happy and comfortable future."

Arguably the most touching moment of the evening came from the lips of Eubank, Watson's opponent on that fateful night at White Hart Lane on September 21 1991, when he said: "Michael is an extraordinary individual and I am proud to have met him."

July 11, 2002 12:30