Frank Bruno shared the ring with both Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis during his career.
Bruno lost his first world title attempt against Tim Witherspoon in July 1986, losing by 11th round stoppage, and his second crack at a world title came against Tyson in February 1989, suffering a fifth round stoppage defeat in Las Vegas.
Then came a bout with Lewis in his third attempt at world honours, but once again it wasn’t to be as Bruno was beaten via seventh round knockout in Cardiff.
Bruno finally achieved his life’s goal when he became world champion in his fourth try when he beat Oliver McCall by unanimous decision at Wembley Stadium in September 1995.
Unfortunately his first defence came against old rival Tyson six months later, and ‘Iron Mike’ earned a third round knockout win to beat Bruno for his title, in what turned out to be Bruno’s final fight as a professional.
The British boxing legend has compared Tyson and Lewis when speaking to Ring Magazine for their Best I Faced feature, and felt Tyson was the better man.
“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.”
He even told Max Boxing Bruno that he would rather fight Lewis ‘five days a week’ than face Tyson again.
“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.”
Tyson and Lewis did meet during the latter stages of their respective careers in June 2002, with Lewis claiming an eighth round knockout win.
‘Iron Mike’ is currently preparing for a controversial clash with Jake Paul, and Lewis has shared his verdict on the match-up.
