Frank Bruno is possibly the most popular boxer Britain has ever produced. A loveable personality, he sprung to prominence during his interviews with BBC Television’s Harry Carpenter.
Born in 1961, Frank had four attempts at winning the World Heavyweight Boxing Championship. His first ended in defeat when he was beaten by Tim Witherspoon at Wembley. Undeterred, he then challenged Mike Tyson in Las Vegas, but despite rocking Tyson, the evening was to end in disappointment for Bruno.
For many boxers that would have been the end of the road, but he was given another chance for a crack at the world title. This time he met Britain’s Lennox Lewis, and despite Frank dominating the fight, Lewis ended up winning. That appeared to be the end of the Frank Bruno story. But proving that old adage that “if at first you don’t succeed”, Frank was given one more chance. In 1995, he succeeded with his lifelong dream when he beat Oliver McCall to become WBC Heavyweight Champion.
Bruno’s reign as Champion lasted for six months, when once again he returned to Las Vegas to meet Mike Tyson, and once again the contest ended in victory for Tyson. Frank Bruno’s illustrious boxing career was over.
In 1990, Frank was awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List, and was also voted the SOS Sports Personality of the Year for 1989 and 1990.
Since retiring from boxing in the late nineties Frank has made numerous guest appearances on dozens of TV shows including Cannon & Ball, Lenny Henry, Freddie Starr, Wogan, The Big Stage, Fort Boyard, Beach Fever, A Question of Sport and Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. He has also presented the BBC TV series People, recorded two series of It’s A Knockout! for Channel 5 and continues to be a regular guest on numerous shows.
No newcomer to pantomime, Frank Bruno has appeared in pantomime many times over the years and in fact broke box office records at the Dominion Theatre where he starred with Michael Barrymore.
In 2003, Frank a special guest appearance on the Royal Variety Show in Edinburgh where he received a standing ovation and later that year returned again to pantomime playing the part of the Genie in Aladdin at High Wycombe. Frank also made an appearance in the UK touring production of the musical Boogie Nights.
Frank Bruno continues to be one of the country’s busiest celebrities working in television, radio and making personal appearances.
John Wannenburgh of the IoM Sporting and Dining Club said:
“The Club is delighted to be able to present our first personality from the world of boxing. Frank has a remarkable story to tell with a wealth of experience of fighting at the highest levels. We are all looking forward to another fantastic evening".
Adrian Higgins, Director of Specsavers Opticians Isle of Man added:
‘Specsavers is once again delighted to be supporting this ‘Sporting & Dining Club’ event. It is no small feat to become the Heavyweight Champion of the World, and the highs and lows of Frank’s journey will make for a knockout evening of entertainment!
It will be a pleasure to welcome him to the Isle of Man.'
The event will take place from 7.00pm, on Thursday 23rd April 2015 at the Palace Hotel & Casino in Douglas.
Tickets:
Tickets are ?65.00 p/p for Members, and ?75.00 p/p for Non-Members, exc VAT.
Tickets available on email john@sportinganddiningclub.com, or, telephone 01624 617049 or 07624 495749.
