Frank Bruno, the former WBC world heavyweight champion, has opened up about the risks he took in his final fight against Mike Tyson in 1996, revealing he 'just went out there and winged it'. The rematch, which took place in Las Vegas, ended with Bruno being battered into submission, and he never fought again.
Bruno, now 59, recalled the fight as if it were yesterday, but admitted the years have flown by. He described the anxiety of walking to the ring, making the sign of the cross every few steps. The bout was particularly dangerous as Bruno was at risk of losing sight in one eye.
After the fight, Bruno's life took a difficult turn. His marriage broke down, and he was sectioned in 2003 under the Mental Health Act. He spent time in Goodmayes Hospital before slowly rebuilding his life without boxing. He now keeps a strict routine, waking at 5am to train in his home gym, which he calls his 'temple'.
Bruno, who won 40 of his 45 professional bouts, said he still misses boxing and often watches his old fights to learn from his mistakes. He admitted he is his own biggest critic and does not take losing well. The Tyson rematch remains a poignant memory, and a new Sky Sports documentary explores the bond between the two fighters.
