 Bruno wants to get back in the ring with Harrison |
Boxing promoter Frank Warren has told BBC Sport that he believes Frank Bruno can come out of retirement and beat Audley Harrison. Bruno hung up his gloves seven years ago, but has laid down the gauntlet to the Olympic heavyweight champion by offering to return to the ring for a one-off fight.
Warren, who represented Bruno in his last fight against Mike Tyson in 1996, is convinced that Bruno would be a match for Harrison.
"Yes, Frank can beat Audley," Warren told this website.
"Even though Frank has been out of the ring for seven years he is still a better fighter than Audley is today.
BRUNO FACTFILE Born: 16/11/1961 Record: 40-5 Honours: WBC crown, European title |
"Frank is the biggest test for Audley both financially and professionally.
"Could you imagine some of the fighters Audley's gone the distance with going the distance with Frank?
"The one thing you can say about Frank is that he got rid of guys, he hit them on the chin and they went."
Bruno said his decision to don the gloves one last time was motivated by his desire to put some life back into heavyweight boxing.
But Warren claims that the 41-year-old boxer wants to prove a point to Harrison.
"He is coming back because he knows he can beat Audley Harrison," said Warren.
"Audley made some disparaging comments about Frank a little while ago and he took them to heart.
 Harrison v Bruno would be a money-spinner |
"Frank wants to say even at 41 he can beat the best Britain has to offer - if Audley is the best, that is.
"At the end of the day Frank Bruno has done far more as a professional than Harrison has ever done."
There is no denying that a heavyweight showdown between Britain's most flamboyant amateur champion and its best-loved, laughing champion would be a crowd-puller.
The purse for such a fight has been put at around the �10m mark, though Warren insisted it would be nowhere near as high.
HARRISON FACTFILE Born: 26/10/1971 Record: 10-0 Honours: Olympic gold medal |
"It will be a sizeable amout of money but not quite that much," said Warren. "Frank says he will donate some of his purse to his charity. He is certainly not coming back for the money - he is very wealthy.
"When Frank steps into the ring he sells out arenas. Harrison struggles to fill Brentford Leisure Centre."
Harrison and Bruno's camps have both confirmed their interest in making the bout a reality.
All that is needed before talks can begin in earnest is for the British Boxing Board of Control to issue Bruno with a licence. But Warren insisted the former WBC champion is clear about one thing - he will return only to fight Harrison before going back to his DJing career.
"He doesn't need the money," said Warren. "He is not coming back for a career. He is coming back for one fight."
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