Former boxer Michael Watson has told how he hung on “for dear life” as he was dragged several hundred metres along a road during a violent carjacking.
Watson, who was left partially disabled after a 1991 super-middleweight WBO title fight against Chris Eubank, said last month’s attack in east London was “like a nightmare”.
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.”
During the carjacking, Watson was attacked along with friend Lennard Ballack on the Ridgeway in Chingford.
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?'”
Just spoke to Michael Watson, so glad he’s is back home from hospital after being attacked yesterday. Wishing him a speedy recovery.Watson had previously thanked fans for their support and urged witnesses to come forward and help identify those behind the February 16 robbery.
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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