Ex-boxer Michael Watson tells of how he was dragged 300 yards along road in 'nightmare' carjacking ordeal

Hatty Collier6 March 2017
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Former boxing champion Michael Watson has told of his “nightmare” as he and his carer were targeted by thugs in a horrific attempted carjacking in east London.

Watson, 51, who was left in a coma after a fight against Chris Eubank in 1991, was dragged 300 yards along the road at 50mph by two men who were attempting to steal his car.

His friend and carer Lennard Ballack, who had been driving the car, had ammonia sprayed in his face during the attack in The Ridgeway in Chingford on Thursday, February 16.

Watson, who was left partially disabled after the 1991 super-middleweight WBO title fight against Mr Eubank, has told how he hung on "for dear life" as he was dragged several hundred metres along a road during the violent carjacking.

Former boxing champion Mr Watson speaks during an interview with BBC Crimewatch
BBC Crimewatch

New details about the ordeal will be revealed on Monday's episode of Crimewatch, which will feature the first broadcast interview with Watson, as well as show previously unseen CCTV footage.

Watson told the BBC show: "It became like a nightmare. I couldn't believe it was happening.

"It felt like my skin was peeling off. I was hanging on for dear life."

Chris Eubank (left) and Michael Watson (right) square up during the WBO Super Middle Weight Title Fight in 1991
Getty Images

Ballack had ammonia sprayed in his face, whilst Watson, unable to free himself from his seatbelt, was dragged along the road as one of the carjackers drove the vehicle away.

Ballack told Crimewatch: "I kept on saying, 'Is Michael dead? Is he dead?"'

Watson had previously thanked fans for their support and urged witnesses to come forward and help identify those behind the February 16 robbery, which happened shortly before 5pm.

Speaking to Crimewatch he laid into is attackers, saying: "Evil thugs, that's what they are. Evil and senseless. They have no heart."

Neither man suffered serious injuries and the car was dumped a short distance along the same road.

Crimewatch will air on Monday at 9pm on BBC One.

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