Frank Bruno MBE was a former professional boxer who rose to the very top between the years of 1982 up until his retirement in ’96.
A magnificent amateur career leads the 6’3 stallion to the worldwide pro boxing stage for 14 years. Collecting a 45-5-0 record with 38 knockouts to his name, Bruno has certainly marked himself in the history books.
Although known for his brilliance in the heavyweight division, the London-based fighter had some difficulties out of the ring, which made him the man he is today.
Where it all began…
Frank Bruno was born on November 16, 1961, in Hammersmith, the youngest of six children in his home in Wandsworth, South London.
At the age of seven, he found himself in the wrong groups. The first hardship led to his expulsion before he went to boarding school.
His religious mother, who came to the UK from Jamaica as a teen, cared for the family alongside his father, who unfortunately passed away during Frank’s time away from home.
Bruno excelled in football and athletics before he found boxing. Earlsfield Boxing Club took the troubled young man under his wing, where he learned the art.
His amateur career was unquestionably what kick-started his achievements as he amassed a 20-1 record. This accumulated to him boxing for Young England. Also, he became the youngest amateur British Champion at the age of 18 as he reached adulthood.
Bruno’s Boxing Career
March 1982 marked his professional debut, as he triumphed in a first-round knockout against Lupe Guerra in the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington.
The rising young talent took the heavyweight division by storm. 29 wins later, the Brit had the opportunity to claim the world title.
In this time, Bruno became one of the first black men to gain the hearts of the English fans.
Tim Witherspoon stood in 24-year-old Bruno’s way as he couldn’t get the job done. The WBA heavyweight title was not destined for the up-and-comer this time as Witherspoon retained the belt in the 11th round with a technical knock-out.
Four more TKOs came in Bruno’s favor as he traveled across the world. It wasn’t until 1989 when he found himself fighting for a title again.
Las Vegas hosted one of the most memorable head-to-heads in February. The undisputed heavyweight title was on the line, but a vicious Mike Tyson stood in his way. Tyson prevailed, making it a 36 win-streak via TKO.
The first round was a disaster for Bruno as he hit the deck and was deducted a point for holding on to Mike Tyson.
It’s behind you…
Frank Bruno was then called out for “selling his soul” following his second failed effort at taking the belts. The now 28-year-old began participating in pantomimes used against him by many of his competitors, specifically another British great, Lennox Lewis.
A new rising talent from England stole the hearts of boxing fans being Lewis in which he was unbeaten with 23 victories to his name before the two faced one another in the ring.
The build-up to the all-British bout brought controversy in the division as he referred to the experienced Frank Bruno as an “Uncle Tom” – an insult he didn’t take lightly.
“Uncle Tom”
A black man considered to be excessively obedient or servile to white people – a person regarded as betraying their cultural or social allegiance.
October 1993 saw Frank Bruno’s third attempt at a title. The WBC World Heavyweight belt was on the line in Cardiff, where he lost to Lennox Lewis via seventh-round TKO.
Frank has since expressed his thoughts at the time.
“He was upsetting me by saying some stupid things, I shouldn’t have let him. Only a two-faced rat could say someone is an Uncle Tom when his mother comes from the same Jamaica as my mum. He hit that low.
“I don’t need to come off my pedestal or grovel to him because he’s nothing to me. That was very nasty to say a thing like that. He can take that and stuff it where the sun don’t shine. I should have beaten him, but the better man won on the night.”
However, Bruno’s misfortune came to an end on September 2nd, 1995, at the age of 33.
And your new WBC Heavyweight Champion of the world…
Wembley Stadium hosted the fight between himself and Oliver McCall for the WBC World Heavyweight title. Bruno prevailed via unanimous decision.
His final fight came a year later in his rematch against a super Mike Tyson who took the title from him in Vegas.
The Retired Champion
Retirement hit hard for Frank Bruno and saw him reach the lowest moment of his life.
Following a divorce from his wife and no longer living with his three children, he suffered a lonely lifestyle. Further distraught came as his former trainer, George Francis, took his own life.
“Pride, dignity, everything is taken away from you. It would’ve been nice if someone could’ve supported me when my boxing career finished. As a boxer, you’re in a different reality – you live on the road. When that stops, reality hits.
“When you finish boxing the biggest fight is with life itself.”
Nicola, his eldest child, signed the papers for him to be sectioned in a mental health ward where he was diagnosed with bipolar.
Frank Bruno has since spoken out about his troublesome times following retirement.
The Englishman admitted to suffering from mental health issues following cocaine use in 2000, four years after retirement.
When facing involuntary hospitalization in 2003 and 2012 – a long and hard battle – Bruno has since spoken about the fear he went through in these psychiatric facilities.
He discussed the trepidation towards his fellow patients when they would display aggressive behavior.
Despite these troubles, Frank Bruno recognized the positive impact of his treatment, which led to the development of his foundation.
1990 marked the year he was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire).
What does he do now?
Still, well at the age of 62, the former Champ is a campaigner for mental health – praised for speaking as part of the Premier League’s “Inside Matters” program.
Bruno aims to stay fit and still loves training. Following a daily routine in the gym alongside various boxing sessions keeps him busy.
Although not featured for a while now, he is an accomplished actor appearing in numerous British TV programs.
A major part of Bruno’s life now is spent working on various appearance requests and fund raising events for charity.
The Frank Bruno Foundation is a charity helping people to stay in work through a programme of controlled non-contact boxing classes combined with wrap around care addressing the causes of their mental health issues.
Mental illness is a very powerful thing. If it is with you it is probably going to be there until the day you die. I am trying so hard to break mine, but it is not easy. It is my toughest fight ever.
Frank Bruno MBE
