Frank Bruno was a key figure in heavyweight boxing during the 1980s and 1990s and faced more than his fair share of heavy hitters, not least Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis.
After a successful amateur career, he turned professional in 1982, stopping all 21 of his opponents in his first two years. His first major test came against James ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith in 1984, where he suffered a 10th round knockout defeat.
Bruno bounced back with four wins before challenging WBA champion Tim Witherspoon, only to be stopped in the 11th round. His next loss came at the hands of Mike Tyson – who he says was the most fearsome opponent he faced – by fifth round stoppage.
Bruno also fought Lennox Lewis for the world title in 1993 but suffered a seventh round defeat. After several near misses, he finally achieved his dream in 1995 by beating Oliver McCall to become the WBC world champion. A rematch with Tyson followed, and the ‘True Brit’ retired from the sport after a third round KO loss.
When speaking to the Ring Magazine he was asked to pick the biggest puncher he ever squared off with and went with Smith, the American former WBA heavyweight ruler who held the belt from 1986 to 1987.
“Smith had a hard punch and he was strong. This was one of my hardest fights. I was quite young at the time and he was a lot older. I lost this fight outright but it gave me a lot of experience. I learned a lot from his punches and tried to use his style later on in my boxing.”
As well as beating Bruno, ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith fought the likes of Tyson, Larry Holmes twice and Michael Moorer before retiring with a final record of 44 wins, 32 by way of KO, and 17 losses.
