This should be interesting if it should ever come to fruition.......

Bruno Prepared to Make Comeback to Fight Harrison
Sat April 12, 2003 05:23 PM ET

LONDON (Reuters) - Former WBC champion Frank Bruno says he is ready to come out of retirement if he can take on Olympic gold medallist Audley Harrison.

He told Sunday's News of the World "I want to lay down the gauntlet and challenge Audley to a fight that will bring excitement back into British boxing."

The 41-year-old Bruno has not fought since suffering his second defeat by Mike Tyson seven years ago.

"Boxing is dead at the moment. But I think this fight will put boxing back on the map," he said.

Since triumphing at the 2000 Sydney Olympics in the super-heavyweight category, Harrison has won eight times (five knockouts) and has never been defeated.

But the 1.95-meter tall Londoner has been criticized for only having to face poor quality opponents.

"I have the greatest amount of respect for Audley. You don't get an Olympic gold medal out of a sweetie shop," Bruno was quoted as saying.

"But I really fancy my chances against him and am confident I could knock him out within three rounds."

Bruno recorded 40 victories in a career spanning 45 fights. He claimed the WBC heavyweight crown by outpointing Oliver McCall in 1995.

"I know I could beat Audley and he knows that himself," said Bruno.

"Boxing at the Olympics and professional boxing are two different cups of tea. I don't think Audley will want to fight me. He'll be too scared."

Bruno should stick to panto.....and leave farce alone.
Frank.........it's behind you......

regards

Oh no it isn't!

actually it is, but he's right, there is no excitement in boxing at the moment, it's all gone a bit bland, to say the least.

Too many World titles, their must be almost 7 or 8 differant versions now.

WBC WBA WBO IBF WBU ETC, ETC,

Harrison keen on Bruno fight

From http://sport.guardian.co.uk/boxing/story/0,10146,936785,00.html

Staff and agencies
Monday April 14, 2003

Audley Harrison has refused to rule out a fight with Frank Bruno, insisting it would be an "honour" to fight the former world heavyweight champion.

Harrison is undefeated after 10 professional bouts but has yet to meet a recognised challenger while Bruno has been in retirement since his 1996 loss to Mike Tyson when he suffered a career-ending detatched retina.

Now 41, Bruno announced over the weekend that he wanted a return to the ring and had targeted Harrison as a possible opponent.

The Olympic super-heavyweight champion responded by saying that he is keen to meet Bruno at a suitable date but hinted that the veteran may not be in the best physical shape.

He said: "Frank was a hero to me in the 80s and early 90s, I think he was an outstanding boxing ambassador for Great Britain and it would be an honour to share a ring with him - when the time is right and, of course, if it is actually safe for him to do so."

Harrison's business manager Hazel Bruno-Gilbert today claimed there were plenty of hurdles to clear before any possible bout could be considered.

Bruno-Gilbert said: "Harrison is by far the highest profile heavyweight prospect of recent years and Frank Bruno was undoubtedly the darling of the British public during his successful career.

"The fight would have mass appeal with the British public and Audley is ready to accept the challenge.

"Providing terms between both parties can be agreed, all the issues relating to Frank Bruno's medical condition are established and most importantly that this contest fits in with our plans for Audley's boxing development.

Bruno-Gilbert also claimed that her man is much in demand and that Harrison will meet these demands: "Audley will not avoid Danny Williams, Herbie Hide and now Frank Bruno - who are all attempting to secure a bout with him.

"It is clear that the chance to fight Audley Harrison is the ultimate prize these fighters now crave, even though his career is just 10 fights old.

"We have been aware of Frank Bruno's interest for some time, however, we still await a firm written proposal from Frank Bruno or indeed Frank Warren, assuming he is representing Bruno."

Bruno's application for a new professional licence will be considered 'on its merits' if the he presses on with his comeback plans.

The BBBC, meanwhile, would not be drawn into an answer on whether an application would be approved or rejected, saying that nothing could be ruled out.

The BBBC spokesman confirmed: "There are many aspects to any application.

"With a 41-year-old who has not boxed for five years there are medical matters, which would also apply to other boxers.

"But we will deal with it when it happens - we will cross that bridge when we come to it. We cannot anticipate what may or may not happen."
.....

Hmmm? I think this bout is unlikely because if a bout were to take place at all on home soil, Bruno would have to convince the British Boxing Board of Control that he was fit to fight.

That could prove difficult as Bruno admitted to having a detached retina following his second defeat by Mike Tyson seven years ago and the BBBC is known as one of the more safety-conscious sanctioning authorities in world boxing.

Bruno was on the radio today.
He said he would not be having a warm up fight.
He was confident he would get the ok to fight.

He also said since giving up he as continued to keep himself in good shape.

I am sure he will be fit for the fight even at 41, the guy always put the work in and looked in great shape.

I think it will go ahead, money and all that.

Harrison will win i'm sure, but you never know, if Bruno can still punch as hard he may just floor him.