Frank Bruno remains a much-loved figure in British sport. After a long 45-fight career full of ups and downs, Bruno finally lifted the WBC world heavyweight title at the fourth time of asking. His historic victory came against Oliver McCall in 1995, the same man who had famously upset the odds by beating the heavy favorite Lennox Lewis the year before.
Bruno had himself shared the ring with British rival Lewis in 1993 at the National Stadium in Cardiff but was stopped in round seven. A similar fate befell him in his two fights with Mike Tyson. The first was in 1989 when he was dropped in the first and then knocked out in the fifth as he attempted to win the IBF, WBA, and WBC crowns in Las Vegas. The rematch came as the last fight of his career in 1996, also in Las Vegas, when Tyson secured another KO victory to claim the WBC title Bruno had won from McCall in the previous fight.
Having fought both of those legendary big men, Bruno was asked by The Criminal Connection Podcast who he thought would have won in a fight between Tyson and Lewis in their prime.
“Tyson in his heyday was on a different level to any boxer that was around at that time. I think Lennox got him at the right time when he was worn out and old, the spark in him went. If he had him when I fought him or when he was young, 21, 22, different class.
He was a dangerous guy, you know. I remember sparring with Tyson when I was 18, 19. I went over to America and stayed at the Gleason’s Gym. Classy place. Spent some time with him in his gym and he’s a dangerous human being.”
Though former undisputed champion Lewis has long been retired, Tyson is making a controversial return to the ring in November when he fights a man almost 30 years his junior in Jake Paul. This matchup has sparked widespread debate and interest, showcasing Tyson’s enduring appeal and the continued fascination with his storied career.
