I thought i would share this superb copy of "Tyson-Bruno I" that i found while searching through the boxing depths of youtube. It's the full BBC Sport live version, with the great Harry Carpenter (RIP) hosting the show. Many British classic posters said this was the first fight they remember watching live on TV, including McGrain. Sit back & enjoy. :good [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5CvHKTr-3o[/ame] This content is protected This content is protected This content is protected This content is protected
Great stuff. :good I remember Des Lynam saying after the fight, "He's been compared to Joe Frazier, but he's much better than that. " .... and thinking, "no he's not, Des". Funny how we all thought Bruno had done really well in this fight. Shows how low our expectations were.
That was Harry, although he did not look brilliant against Bruno, Tyson was a level above Smokin' Joe, IMO. If I remember rightly they also showed the last two rounds of Nelson/MartinezII. Of course it was not live, but exclusive highlights, as you had to have SKY to watch the fight live, in Britain.
It was Des that said it. I just checked again, it's at 1:11:20 Frazier > Tyson, IMO. It was the first fight on SKY if I remember rightly, and was the same month SKY TV was broadcasting as well I think. Tyson-Bruno 2 was UK's first PPV, I believe.
It was what made SKY, but believe or not (and I did not know this, until recently) SKY actually has been around since the early 80s... And yes, Bruno/TysonII was the first PPV. Of course my ol' man was on the case, and decided to plump for BSB, and the squarerial... Cracking decision, and not a total waste of 300 odd pound...
This is the only British broadcast Tyson fight that I like better than the HBO commenting team, and only because of Harry's outspoken cheering for Bruno in that first round.
It was embarrassing for him because it showed a lack of professionalism on his part. This is at least what he admitted on a Vh1 '1989' program I saw. Still, the guy was also class and a consummate pro. At least he was open at that point about his cheerleading and not subtlety being a homer for someone by lying about blow by blows like Jim Lampley!
