Harry Carpenter
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Harry Carpenter (b 17 October 1925 in London), was a BBC sports commentator from the early 1950s until his retirement in the 1990s. His speciality was boxing. He was presenter of programmes such as Sportsnight (1978-1985) and Grandstand and also anchored coverage of Wimbledon and golf tournaments. He was famous for his rapport with former WBC World Heavyweight Champion Frank Bruno. Carpenter often conducted post-match interviews with Bruno, whose catchphrase was "Know what I mean 'Arry", and their relationship helped give Bruno a "cuddly bear" image and a popularity with the British public beyond the boxing fraternity.
BBC’s full-time boxing correspondent from 1962 until 1994, having joined the corporation in 1949, Carpenter began sports reporting as a sub-editor for several national newspapers, serving as a boxing columnist for the Sporting record from 1950-1954. He then joined the Daily Mail as a boxing writer and sports columnist from 1954-1962.
While writing for the national papers, Carpenter was broadcasting regularly on radio and television, covering thousands of professional and amateur fights including all Olympic games from 1956 until 1992. He has authored three books on boxing, produced the documentary, The Richest Prize in Sport, and served as the voice of the Hall of Fame series, Sports Archive and Great Moments in Sport.
While his name was most often associated with boxing, Carpenter established himself as one of England’s most versatile sportscasters, covering many of the major sporting events. He has been a regular member of the broadcast team on Sportsnight and Grandstand and covered all major golf tournaments since 1965 until his retirement. He also served as the commentator on the Oxford/Cambridge University Boat Race, and greyhound racing. In 1967, Carpenter began covering Wimbledon for BBC until 1993.
- Harry Carpenter appeared as a TV commentator in the controversial 1969 Peter Sellers film The Magic Christian
- Quote (alleged) - "Ah, isn't that nice, the wife of the Cambridge President is kissing the cox of the Oxford crew."
- Quote - (at conclusion of Henry Cooper - Joe Bugner British title fight in 1971) "He's given it to Bugner!!! And I find that ... a-ma-zing..."
- Quote - (during first Frank Bruno-Mike Tyson world title fight, as Bruno landed a good punch at the end of the first round, momentarily losing his cool objectivity) "Go on .. get in there Frank!"
