Jim Watt (boxer)
| Jim Watt | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Jim Watt |
| Rated at | Lightweight |
| Nationality | British |
| Born |
18 July 1948 Glasgow, Scotland |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 46 |
| Wins | 38 |
| Wins by KO | 27 |
| Losses | 8 |
| Draws | 0 |
| No contests | 0 |
Jim Watt (born 18 July 1948) is a Scottish former boxer, who became world champion in the lightweight division when Roberto Durán left the title vacant in 1979 and the WBC had him fight Alfredo Pitalua. Watt knocked out Pitalua in twelve rounds.
Watt beat such notables as future world champion Sean O'Grady, former world champion Perico Fernandez, Charlie Nash and Howard Davis Jr.. The fight with O'Grady was particularly controversial: Watt won by a knockout in round twelve when the referee stopped the fight because of a cut suffered by O'Grady. According to the book, The Ring Boxing The 20th Century, the cut was produced by a head-butt, in which case the judges' scorecards would have been checked, and whoever was ahead given the win by a technical decision. The referee, however, declared that O' Grady's cut had been produced by a punch, therefore, Watt officially won the fight by knockout. When O'Grady won the WBA title four months later Watt was declared lightweight champion by The Ring.
Watt also fought, and lost to, Ken Buchanan. On 20 June 1981, he fought his last fight, when losing the WBC world Lightweight title to Alexis Argüello by a 15 round decision in London. Watt retired with a record of 38 wins (27 by knockout) and 8 losses (3 by knockout).
After Boxing
Watt, along with former world Middleweight champion Alan Minter, earns his living as an after dinner speaker. He was awarded an MBE. He was long-term co-commentator with Reg Gutteridge on ITV's The Big Fight Live and moved with Gutteridge to Sky Sports in 1996 when ITV withdrew from boxing coverage. As of 2015, he is still with Sky as a co-commentator and analyst.
Trivia
- Jim's daughter Michelle Watt is a television presenter.
- Jim Watt made a special appearance on BBC's Still Game in August 2007.
- Jim appeared in the Kelvin Timber TV adverts in the early to mid 1980's. "Go for Kelvin Timber the champs in DIY"
See also
External links
- Professional boxing record for Jim Watt from BoxRec
- Ken Buchanan - Lightweight Champion of the World - Ken Buchanan site with detailed bio, statistics, full fights and more
| Achievements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Vacant Title last held by Willie Reilly |
British Lightweight Champion 3 May 1972 - 29 January 1973 |
Succeeded by Ken Buchanan |
| Preceded by Roberto Durán Vacated |
WBC Lightweight Champion 17 April 1979 – 20 June 1981 |
Succeeded by Alexis Argüello |
| The Ring Lightweight Champion 12 April 1981 – 20 June 1981 | ||
|