Watson puts sport into perspective

IT WAS the shortest interview ever. Barely 20sec. of softly-spoken words, followed by a handshake, a posed picture, a 'God bless you', and he was gone.

But that afternoon spent walking with Michael Watson has affected me more than any sporting victory.

This man should not have been walking or talking, according to doctors who treated him 12 years ago.

Following his 1991 WBO super-middleweight fight with Eubank, Watson collapsed. He spent 40 days in a coma and had six brain operations.

It was thought that he may not even survive. If he did, specialists said, he would probably be confined to a wheelchair and dependent on the help of others for the rest of his life.

No chance. He is not just a boxer, but a fighter.

A long period of rehabilitation followed. Amazingly, he made a stunning recovery.

Gradually his speech and movement returned. His left side is still paralysed but he can walk slowly.

He levers that leg ahead of him then steps his right forward. It puts pressure on his left Achilles tendon but a team of physios joined neurosurgeon Peter Hamlyn on the walk to ensure that there was no risk of injury.

Hamlyn saved Watson's life with those six operations. He gave a sobering comment on the man's great effort.

'He will hit "the wall" after the first 100 yards and will be walking through the wall ever after.'

Now 38, Watson undertook his latest challenge - no point saying his greatest, as there is every chance he'll try to top it - to raise money for the Brain and Spine Foundation.

I joined Watson from Blackfriar's Bridge to the Embankment. That section, just over a mile, took nearly an hour.

As the group walked, countless supporters carrying buckets moved among the well-wishers along the route and through the London traffic collecting cash.

'Oi, mate, you're driving a Jag, you must be rich, can you spare some for Michael Watson?' one collector asked of a driver. The response was instant - the driver reached into his wallet, took out a wad of notes and dropped them into the bucket.

Watson drew applause and cheers every inch of the route. A supporter with a megaphone called on those along the route to 'Give it up for Michael Watson.' Most did. Police cars sounded their sirens in admiration. The Thames river patrol did likewise.

Watson and his group were joined for that section by television celebrity Ricky Gervais.

'This is not about me; this is about one hugely inspirational man and what he is doing,' Gervais told me.

'He is stunning. Look at everyone. They're all smiling, all applauding. I just wanted to show my support for an incredible achievement.'

He was keen not to deflect any attention away from the boxer, and was particularly put off by the Daily Telegraph correspondent who barged in and tried to make light of Gervais being a fellow boxer, because of his celebrity match with Les Dennis.

The comedian was not the only celebrity to show his support. Dozens more made public their feelings, notably Muhammad Ali, another boxer sadly now also a shadow of his former athletic self.

'Muhammad Ali and the Muhammad Ali Center for the Advancement of Humanity Worldwide are with you all the way, Michael, and we express our admiration for your years of dedication and hard work that led you through your challenging journeys in life. We salute you,' was their message.

Watson walked on, soaking up the applause, responding with smiles, waves and, when he could manage, a soft 'Thank you'.

After he finished that stage, we spoke.

'I feel terrific, fantastic. I'm nearly there. Thank you for coming,' he said.

'You're an inspiration,' I said.

'Nah, I'm not,' he said with a smile.

'I'm just a man doing the marathon.'

Watson finished the next afternoon, six days and one hour after Paula Radcliffe set her new world record.

The marathon organisers had re-erected the finish for him.

Competitor number 60199 was the last to cross the line, but the most important.

Eubank met Watson for the final steps. There is no animosity between the two.

They hugged and as Watson stepped over the line he shadow-boxed.

*To date, Watson has raised more than £200,000 for the Brain and Spine Foundation.