Frank Bruno gives backing to Nigel Benn ahead of ring legend’s controversial boxing return
BOXING legend Frank Bruno reveals he is supporting Nigel Benn’s controversial return to the ring aged 55.
The former World Heavyweight Champion says his friend made the decision because he “still has one fight left in him”.
But Frank, who considered a comeback himself four years ago, admits he will be praying Benn, who last fought 23 years ago, comes through it in one piece.
Speaking exclusively to Sun Online, Frank, 57, said: “A lot of people have had their say on what Nigel is doing.
“But at the end of the day the only person that matters here is Nigel. He’s the one who has got to step up and fight and he has to make a decision based on how he feels.
“After he finished fighting I know Nigel found religion helped him and that was his focus.
“That replaced the day to day buzz of boxing. But there has always been that itch with Nigel and that belief he has one more fight left in him.
“That’s what this is all about. I just hope Nigel gets paid a load of money for the fight, comes through it safely and then it is out of his system.
“I know a lot of people are criticising his decision but I think Nigel might surprise everyone. He is still very fit, trains every day and has kept himself in amazing shape since he retired.
“I will be there supporting him and I just hope he comes through it.”
Benn was famously ringside when Frank won the World Title against Oliver McCall in 1995. He cheered Bruno on to victory.
Now Frank will be there to return the favour when Benn fights in six weeks time.
Frank considered his own return to the ring four-years ago when he was in the grip of a battle with bipolar disorder.
But he decided against it and has now hung up his gloves and is focusing on running the Frank Bruno Foundation which helps those battling mental health problems.
Meanwhile Sun Online can reveal Benn – nicknamed the Dark Destroyer – had wanted his rematch to be against either Chris Eubank or Steve Collins.
He famously fought, and lost, to both fighters in the 1990s. The televised bouts watched by more than 10 million viewers.
But a deal with Collins and Eubank could not be done.
Instead Benn, who last fought professionally in 1996, will climb back through the ropes on November 23 when he takes on tough 40-year-old Sakio Bika.
The British Boxing Board of Control refused to sanction the fight but the British and Irish Boxing Authority had no such qualms after running brain scans and physiological tests on someone they describe as the fittest 55-year-old on the planet.
He will be fighting in 10 ounce gloves instead of the 12 ounces customary for the pros ‘as an additional safety precaution’. And he will be boxing ten rounds instead of 12.
When the fight was announced Benn said the reason for his return was “closure”.
“I feel fitter than I’ve ever been and I’ve got even more power,’ Benn claimed. “I’ll be fighting to win as always.”
But his boxer son Conor, 23, has been among those who have implored him to think again.
Speaking last month he said: “It’s great in one way but it’s also madness.
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“Our game is different from his day.
“He’s fit as hell and he trains like a lunatic in the gym and on the road but he’s not been hit in the face for ages.
“That’s horrible when you’re young and hungry. No-one wants to see their dad punched in the face.”