Tributes to 'voice of boxing' Carpenter

The sports broadcaster, who leaves a widow and one son, died on Saturday at King's College Hospital, London.

During his lengthy career he became closely identified with Frank Bruno, whose catchphrase "Know what I mean, 'arry?" featured in their post-fight interviews.

The former heavyweight champion's agent said Bruno was "very upset" at the news and added: "Frank has many acquaintances but not many real friends. Harry Carpenter was a friend."

Mr Carpenter worked as a sports reporter on national newspapers before joining the BBC and commentated on major sporting events including Wimbledon and the university boat race.

But it was as the public face – and voice – of the corporation's boxing coverage that he became best known.

Former world champion Barry McGuigan said: "If Harry was there, you knew there was real interest in the fight. He was a lovely, quiet man. A real gentleman."

Former world champion John Conteh paid tribute to his special understanding of boxing.

"He had the sort of spirit and passion for the sport that everyone involved could feel."

Director of BBC Sport Barbara Slater said: "Harry's passing is a huge loss to the world of sports broadcasting. His journalistic credentials, professionalism and presence marked him out as an inspirational figure for a generation of aspiring presenters, commentators and producers."

Former world heavyweight title challenger Sir Henry Cooper praised Carpenter's work as a journalist. "If you were good then he'd give you a good write-up and if not, he told you one or two truths. All in all I always found him a fair guy."

Mr Carpenter's lawyer David Wills said he had been unwell since last summer when he suffered a minor heart attack. A family spokesman said there would be a private funeral followed by a memorial service.