Frank Bruno, one of the UK's most beloved fighters, has opened up about his past opponents. The former heavyweight champ said he'd rather face Lennox Lewis "five days a week" than step in the ring with Mike Tyson again.
Bruno's impressive career saw him rack up 40 wins and just 5 losses. He finally grabbed the world heavyweight title on his fourth try, beating Oliver McCall for the WBC strap in 1995. But his journey to the top wasn't easy. He fell short against Tyson in 1989, Tim Witherspoon, and Lennox Lewis before his big win.
In a chat with Max Boxing, Bruno compared his experiences with Tyson and Lewis. He didn't mince words about "Iron Mike":
"I boxed Tyson twice and I boxed Lennox Lewis, and I would rather box Lennox Lewis five days a week than to fight a Mike Tyson. He's awkward, short, dangerous, and when he's fit, he's very dangerous."
Bruno's last fight was a tough loss to Tyson in March 1996, where he lost his title in just three rounds. That fight showed why Bruno finds Tyson so intimidating:
"If he's 60 percent himself when he goes in there, fit, hungry, and controlled – not controlled that when the bell goes he's still fighting, punching the referee, punching the cornermen, biting and getting loopy – I can see him doing some damage because Tyson's very dangerous when he's focused."
Tyson's unpredictable style left a lasting impression on Bruno. In contrast, his 1993 loss to Lewis in Cardiff, while ending in a 7th round stoppage, seems less daunting in hindsight.
Bruno's comments come as Tyson gears up for a controversial comeback. The 57-year-old is set to face YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in November. Lewis has even said he'd consider a rematch with Tyson if he beats Paul.
For Bruno, it's clear that even years after retirement, the memory of facing Tyson in the ring remains a powerful one. His preference for Lewis speaks volumes about the unique challenge Tyson posed, even among heavyweight legends.
