By Sanjeev Shetty

BRUNO'S HIGHS AND LOWS Photos from Frank's career

Think of Frank Bruno, and you think fondly of a veteran pantomime performer famous for his one-liners and tireless work for charity.

Oh, and the fact he used to box a long, long time ago.

So when you are told the former world heavyweight champion is considering a return to the ring to take on Audley Harrison, you are surely entitled to shout back 'Oh no he isn't!'

And yet, he really is.

When he decided to quit in 1996, following a horrible beating at the hands of Mike Tyson and concerns about a detached retina in his right eye, the big man seemed to have walked away at the right time.

He had made the most of his moderate talent, and realised his lifetime ambition of becoming 'world champion'.

He was revered by a generation of British sports fans - he gave it his all, and though he often came up short, he lost with a degree of grace and humility that endeared him to households up and down the country.

WHY IT COULD HAPPEN Both men could make big money Bruno is still a big name Harrison needs to beat someone high-profile

We were willing to forgive him for defeats, horrendous mismatches and the fact that he was increasingly ponderous the older he got - all because he was Frank.

Now though, it seems dressing up in panto while waiting around for a possible knighthood is not enough to keep Bruno busy.

He clearly believes he could teach Audley a thing or two.

And he certainly could, but more about how to win the hearts of the British public than about the sweet science of boxing.

It was October 2000 when Harrison had the world at his feet after winning gold at the Sydney Olympics - only 30 months ago, but an eternity in terms of his image and standing.

HAVE YOUR SAY To be honest I think a fight between Bruno and Harrison would be a joke. If Bruno lasts three rounds I'll be impressed. Jon Walker, Staffordshire, UK Join the debate

In that time, Harrison has won 10 bouts but has fought a losing battle for his credibility.

His opponents have not asked much of him, but what irritates punters more than most is his insistence on being billed as the main man, and heir apparent to the British boxing throne currently occupied by Lennox Lewis.

Forget Lewis - as things stand, Audley is struggling to fill Bruno's boots.

Bruno believes a fight with Harrison could generate millions and could be staged at his beloved Upton Park.

Would it be competitive? Without doubt the answer has to be no.

WHY IT SHOULDN'T HAPPEN Bruno is not fit to fight Harrison needs to focus on winning the British title A bout would further undermine the sport

At the ripe old age of 41, he has been out of the ring for nearly seven years and would need at least two or three fights to get himself back to anywhere near fighting condition.

His speed, never one of his greatest assets even in his prime, would be a telling disadvantage.

He would also be without long-time trainer George Francis, who tragically committed suicide last year.

In the opposite corner, he would be taking on someone with superior height and reach.

Although Harrison is not considered a heavy puncher, he would surely be able to hurt Bruno, and test his questionable ability to withstand sustained punishment.

The fight would not last more than two rounds, and the reputations of both men might be damaged beyond repair.