Boxing board to carry on - for now

Michael Watson celebrates his victory outside the High Court

The British Boxing Board of Control will carry on as normal while they consider their options in the wake of the Michael Watson appeal defeat.

The cash-strapped organisation, who have been in administration for the last year, could face a bill for around £1m in compensation.

An appeal court ruled the BBBC were liable for the crippling brain damage suffered by Watson during his WBO super- middleweight defeat by Chris Eubank in September 1991.

A statement from the Board read: "We have listened to the verdict of the Master of the Rolls with regret.

Watson (right) collapsed after fighting Chris Eubank

"Our administrators, Hacker, Young and Partners, will now seek as to what further options may be available on behalf of the Board.

"In the meantime the Board, which has already been in administration for a year, will continue to function and carry on with its responsibilities as the regulatory body of professional boxing in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Sympathy

"Upon legal advice and advice from our administrators, there will be no further statement or comment from the Board concerning this matter at this time."

The BBBC also expressed their sympathy for Watson, who arrived at court in a wheelchair.

That award was on the grounds that he would have made a good recovery if the doctor had entered the ring immediately.

The 35-year-old is claiming around £1m in compensation and in September last year, a High Court judge ruled that he was entitled to damages from the board.

That award was on the grounds he would have made a good recovery if the doctor had entered the ring immediately.