British heavyweight legend Frank Bruno once revealed the best opponent he faced during a storied career.
Bruno’s professional tenure spanned between 1982 and 1996, which culminated in him capturing the world heavyweight championship at the fourth time of asking when he defeated Oliver McCall on that memorable night at Wembley Stadium in September 1995.
The heavy-handed Brit fought and fell short to a number of legendary heavyweights during his career, including the likes of countryman Lennox Lewis, Tim Witherspoon and ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson, all of which coming in unsuccessful challenges of versions of the world heavyweight championship.
After 45 contests as a professional, where he suffered defeat on just five occasions, Bruno has finally admitted who he believes was the best fighter he ever faced before he drew the curtain on his career in the summer of 1996.
In an interview with the Ring Magazine, Bruno revealed Mike Tyson as his toughest ever opponent, as he paid homage to the heavyweight icon’s unique boxing ability which led to him becoming one of the most feared fighters of all time.
“[Mike] Tyson had it all, the hunger to win the belts, to fight, to move and determination to take anybody down that crossed him at his peak. He knew the quicker he could get rid of his opponent the less chance he would get caught and he was determined to get rid of his opponents quickly.”
‘Iron’ Mike defeated Bruno on two separate occasions during their respective tenures. Their first bout came in February 1989 when the ferocious American blasted his rival out in the fifth round of their undisputed title showdown in Las Vegas.
They fought for the second time in March 1996, in what would go on to be Bruno’s 45th and final professional outing. Tyson proved to be too much for the Brit, as he handed him his fifth career defeat in a third round stoppage.
