Frank Bruno, the British heavyweight legend, picked Mike Tyson as the best opponent he faced in his boxing career. Bruno shared this insight during an interview with Ring Magazine, praising Tyson's unique abilities and determination.
Bruno's career spanned from 1982 to 1996, during which he fought 45 times and lost only 5 bouts. The highlight of his career came in September 1995 when he won the world heavyweight championship against Oliver McCall at Wembley Stadium. This victory came after three previous unsuccessful attempts at the title.
Throughout his career, Bruno faced several notable opponents, including Lennox Lewis and Tim Witherspoon. However, it was Mike Tyson who left the most lasting impression on the British boxer.
Bruno and Tyson met in the ring twice. Their first encounter took place in February 1989 in Las Vegas, where Tyson stopped Bruno in the 5th round of their undisputed title showdown. The second and final meeting between the two happened in March 1996, with Tyson winning by 3rd round stoppage. This bout turned out to be Bruno's last professional fight.
In his interview with Ring Magazine, Bruno explained why he considered Tyson the best:
[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.
Bruno's words paint a picture of Tyson as a fighter with an unmatched drive to succeed. He highlighted Tyson's hunger for championship belts, his fighting spirit, and his ability to move in the ring. Bruno also pointed out Tyson's determination and strategy to finish fights quickly, reducing the risk of getting caught by his opponents.
Tyson's peak performance, as described by Bruno, showcased a boxer who combined physical attributes with a keen boxing IQ. His ability to end fights swiftly became a trademark of his style, leaving a lasting impression on opponents like Bruno.
For those interested in exploring Bruno's professional record in more detail, BoxRec provides a comprehensive overview of his career.
Bruno's admiration for Tyson, even after facing other heavyweight greats, underscores the impact "Iron Mike" had on his contemporaries and the boxing world at large.
