Bruno has not fought in seven years

The 41-year-old claimed he could knock Harrison out inside three rounds.

Bruno has not fought since sustaining a detached retina in his second defeat to Mike Tyson seven years ago.

"I want to lay down the gauntlet and challenge Audley to a fight that will bring excitement back to British boxing," Bruno told the News of the World newspaper.

"Boxing is dead at the moment, but I think this fight would put it back on the map.

HAVE YOUR SAY Could Bruno win? No, but he would show Harrison how far he will get in his belated career Martin Walker, Bournemouth, UK Join the debate

"I have the greatest amount of respect for Audley. You don't get an Olympic gold medal out of the sweetie shop.

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

"Yes I'm 41, with a little bit of VAT. But I train every day and I've never felt as fit in all my life. I still don't feel I have reached my peak.

"I know I could beat Audley - and he knows that himself.

"I don't want any excuses from him. Audley has a lot of brains but I don't think he has the hunger a boxer needs.

"I will knock him out, then pick him up and give him a cuddle!

"I want to do it for the sake of boxing."

Bruno believes a purse of �10m could be raised for the fight, which he would like to stage at Upton Park, home of his beloved West Ham.

Bruno made his professional debut in 1982 and had 40 wins from his 45 contests.

The highlight of his career was outpointing Oliver McCall to win the WBC heavyweight crown in September 1995.

The 31-year-old Harrison is unbeaten in 10 fights since turning professional after winning the gold medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.