Frank Bruno, one of the most celebrated names in British boxing history, is undergoing brain scans amid fears his ‘brain might be on a slow decline’.
Bruno was one of the biggest names in British sport in the late 1980s and 90s, a ferocious and endearing heavyweight with 38 of his 40 victories in the ring coming via knockout.
His crowning moment came in 1995 when he beat Oliver McCall at Wembley to win the WBC heavyweight title on home soil.
The Londoner also twice shared the ring with Mike Tyson in 1989 and 1996 with that second meeting proving to be his last fight before retirement.
Bruno provided unforgettable moments in the ring, retiring with 40 wins from 45 fights with his five career defeats all coming via knockout.
His career, along with those of fellow British greats Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank and Lennox Lewis, has been chronicled in the new Amazon documentary Four Kings.
During the series, Bruno’s daughter Rachel explained doctors are trying to establish whether blows to the head during his gruelling 14-year career in the ring have caused long-term damage.
‘We have learned recently that his brain might be on a slow decline,’ she said.
‘They are just doing scans and tests at the moment. With the impact of his career and constant knocks to the head, it’s obviously probably not helped.
‘We don’t know how fast his brain is going to decline. It’s sad but we’re a strong family and we want to cherish these moments.’
Bruno added: ‘I fulfilled my dream. ‘I won the world championship. I’ve got some beautiful kids. What more do you need?’
Bruno is involved in a number of mental health initiatives and tweeted last week he is in good health.
‘Can I confirm my health is fine I am doing speaking events every week and audiences who see & hear me up and down the country will testify to that. People are booking me all the time in fact the diary is looking good.’
A source close to Bruno also explained the 62-year-old’s checks are a routine process for any retired fighter with the former world champion ‘healthier than he has been in years’.
‘Frank’s in a great place at the moment and feeling fitter and healthier than he has in years,’ a source told The Sun.
‘Each week he will be at three or four events talking about his career and working.
‘All retired boxers have regular checks, and Frank is no different.’