Watson blasts documentary

The documentary, entitled 'The Fight Of Their Lives', chronicled the events surrounding the 1995 WBO middleweight title fight which left American McClellan with severe brain trauma - and even led to a House of Commons debate over the possibility of banning boxing.

Watson, who suffered similar injuries in a 1991 bout against Chris Eubank, was annoyed at what he perceived as an "anti-boxing" narrative throughout the programme, which was acclaimed by critics.

"I was disgusted by this programme's portrayal of boxing as a barbaric sport and its fighters, trainers and managers as uncaring, brutal people with money their only motivation," he is quoted as saying in the Daily Mail.

"The narrator was anti-boxing. The programme showed nothing of the skill, discipline and dedication of boxers to their sport. Nor all the managers, trainers and others who truly care for their fighters."

The documentary showed how McClellan is still wheelchair-bound by his debilitating condition, and contains numerous talking heads who criticised McClellan's corner for allowing the fight to continue as long as it did.

The film also chronicled how a feud built up between Benn and the McClellan family in the years after the fight, only for relations to be mended when Benn organised a fund-raising dinner for his former opponent in 2007.

Watson, on the other hand, became friends with Eubank after his near fatal fight in 1991. The Londoner was awarded an MBE in 2004 after his inspirational recovery saw him complete the London Marathon for charity.

"There is no bitterness in me. In some ways I feel my injury happened for a reason. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to help people through illness and problems in their lives the way I do," he said.

Watson would like a role in the London 2012 Olympics.

"I would like to play a supporting part at the 2012 Games and the Paralympics," he added. "I believe it would also inspire others never to give up if they see me carrying the torch. Perhaps even lighting the Olympic flame."