It has been 25 years since the fight that marked the end of Frank Bruno’s career, but he has since developed a newfound appreciation for his former adversary, Mike Tyson.
Mike Tyson, famously known as the “Baddest Man on the Planet,” brought an end to Bruno’s six-month reign as the WBC heavyweight champion by forcefully defeating him in March 1996. This encounter in Las Vegas was the second defeat Bruno suffered at the hands of Tyson, with the first occurring seven years prior.
In an interview with SunSport, Bruno expressed his sadness over witnessing the challenges Tyson faced after retiring from boxing. He also acknowledged that during much of that time, he himself was dealing with his own personal struggles and challenges.
“In those days, individuals with mental health issues didn’t typically open up about their struggles. Therefore, it was truly disheartening to see what Mike went through. Despite his reputation as a tough and powerful fighter, he is not a mean-spirited person; in fact, he is incredibly kind and humble.
“It’s just unfortunate that once you step into the ring with him, he transforms into a ferocious beast! If you believe I’ve faced challenging times, you should take a closer look at Mike and the trials he has endured. However, he has found happiness now.
“I don’t hold any ill feelings towards Mike; I consider him more like a brother to me.”
The brotherly rivalry between Frank Bruno and Mike Tyson traces back four decades, to a time when a 19-year-old Bruno embarked on a tour of American gyms. During this period, he had the opportunity to spar with a troubled teenager from the tough neighborhoods of Brooklyn, who had been brought to the Catskill Mountains in New York to train under the guidance of renowned trainer Cus D’Amato.
This initial encounter with the soft-spoken, lisping 15-year-old, who was being groomed to become the youngest heavyweight champion in history at the age of 20, laid the foundation for Bruno’s unique perspective. Unlike most of Tyson’s opponents, Bruno was never intimidated by the formidable force that Tyson represented.
In his characteristic boisterous manner, Bruno chuckled and remarked, “If someone held a gun to my head, yes, I would be scared. If a crocodile strolled up my garden path and into my bedroom, I would be absolutely terrified. But stepping into the ring with Mike Tyson was different.”
For a significant portion of Bruno’s career, he was seen by many fans as a nearly man with a fragile chin, possessing more catchphrases than actual championship victories. However, his fortunes changed in 1995 when he triumphed over American boxer Oliver McCall, securing the world champion title at Wembley Stadium.
Bruno acknowledges that the skepticism from doubters had a deeper impact on him than he revealed, but he recognizes that his relentless determination has solidified his position as a cherished figure in his country.
He elaborated, saying, “Sometimes, you have to experience defeat in order to achieve true victory. I earned my success the hard way; nothing was handed to me on a silver platter. In hindsight, it would have been nice to not have Mike Tyson looming as a constant challenge at every turn. However, I am immensely grateful for finally capturing that title, and I deeply appreciate all the fans who stood by me during those years.”
