Fan-favourite heavyweight Frank Bruno captured the hearts of the British public whilst competing in an era littered with world-class talent, and now he has named the ‘most complete’ opponent of his 45-fight professional career.
Bruno challenged for Tim Witherspoon’s WBA heavyweight title back in 1986, attempting to become the United Kingdom’s first heavyweight world champion of the 20th century but falling short, halted in round 11.
Three years later, he got a second chance and competed with an undefeated Mike Tyson for his undisputed crown, only to be knocked out after five rounds of action against a prime ‘Iron Mike’.
The following year, Lennox Lewis beat Bruno to the achievement of being the first Briton to capture heavyweight honours since Bob Fitzsimmons and then, in 1993, Lewis got the better of his countryman to defend his WBC world title in the ‘Battle of Britain’.
As a result, it seemed as though Bruno would go down as a nearly-man, but in his penultimate fight, Bruno made it fourth time lucky as he outpointed Oliver McCall to get his hands on the coveted WBC heavyweight world title.
Whilst reflecting on his career on the Fight Your Corner podcast, Bruno declared that Mike Tyson was the most ‘complete’ heavyweight that he ever faced, but also gave credit to Witherspoon, whom he believes was underrated by the masses.
“The most complete fighter? I would have to go for Tyson. Tim Witherspoon was a good fighter, a better fighter than what a lot of people give him credit for.”
Bruno has consistently credited Tyson – boxing’s youngest ever heavyweight champion – as his best opponent.
The Brit lost his WBC title in a rematch with the American in 1996, but his triumph over McCall remains as one of the most pleasing moments in the history of British boxing.
