Frank Bruno now admits his 1996 rematch with Mike Tyson was a mistake. The former heavyweight champion calls it "one of the most crazy things I've ever done."
Bruno's journey to become world champion wasn't easy. He failed in his first three attempts before finally succeeding on his fourth try. In September 1995, he defeated Oliver McCall at Wembley Stadium to claim the WBC heavyweight title by unanimous decision.
But Bruno's reign as champion didn't last long. He chose to defend his title against Mike Tyson in 1996. This wasn't their first meeting - Tyson had already beaten Bruno in Las Vegas in 1989, stopping him in the fifth round.
The 1996 rematch ended even quicker, with Tyson winning by TKO in the third round. It turned out to be Bruno's final fight before retirement.
Looking back, Bruno regrets taking the second Tyson fight. In an interview with The Guardian, he explained his decision:
"I took a big risk but I've got family to provide for and I couldn't rob a bank. Sometimes in boxing you think if you've lost one eye, you've still got the other eye. If you damage one hand, you've got the other hand. In the ring you go mind over matter."
Bruno revealed he wasn't in the right state of mind for the fight:
"When your eye is not right your mind is there 80% but the other 20% is worried about your sight. The reality hits you in your dressing room so I just went out there and winged it. The fight only went three rounds before he stopped me. You could say it's brave but it's very stupid. One of the most crazy things I've ever done."
Financial pressures played a big role in Bruno's decision to keep fighting:
"It would have been wise to retire after I won the world title against Oliver McCall [in his previous fight in September 1995] but I've got kids who go to private school. Private school for each kid costs £1m. I've got four kids and all four have been to private school – one of them is still there."
Bruno ended his career with a record of 40 wins (38 by knockout) and 5 losses. Despite the regrets about his final fight, Bruno's achievement in becoming world champion after three failed attempts remains a highlight of British boxing history.
