FORMER world heavyweight champion Frank Bruno has been treated in hospital for pneumonia.

Bruno’s agent Dave Davies revealed the news on the 57-year-old Londoner’s Twitter account.

Davies wrote: “Frank has contracted pneumonia. We must say a big thank you to the staff of The Horton General hospital, in Banbury, who have treated him. He now needs a few weeks’ rest.”


Bruno, one of Britain’s most popular sportsmen, won the WBC heavyweight title at the fourth attempt when he beat American Oliver McCall at Wembley in September 1995.

He had previously lost title bouts to Tim Witherspoon, in 1986, Mike Tyson in 1989 and Lennox Lewis in 1993.

Last week marked the 30th anniversary of Bruno’s most famous fight, when he took on the fearsome Tyson at his peak.

Boxing – WBC Heavyweight Title – Mike Tyson v Frank Bruno – MGM Grand, Las Vegas
Frank Bruno fights Mike Tyson for the WBC world heavyweight title in 1996 (Sean Dempsey/PA)

Then aged 27, Bruno rocked the American champion with a left hook in the early stages, only for Tyson to recover and win in the fifth round.

Bruno’s final professional bout was a third-round defeat by Tyson in March 1996, the first defence of his world title.

A regular ringside spectator, Bruno was pictured looking fit and healthy at the fight between Chris Eubank Jr and James DeGale on February 23.