Frank Bruno, the beloved British heavyweight boxer known for his remarkable career, has revealed that the hardest puncher he ever faced was not the infamous Mike Tyson or Lennox Lewis, both of whom he fought during pivotal moments in his boxing journey. Instead, Bruno identified Tim Witherspoon, whom he fought in July 1986, as the most dangerous opponent he encountered in the ring.
Bruno, who finally achieved his dream of becoming a world champion in 1995 when he defeated Oliver McCall at Wembley Stadium, challenged heavyweight giants like Tyson and Lewis throughout his career. Despite falling short against both—suffering a fifth-round stoppage by Tyson and an 11th-round knockout loss to Lewis—Bruno’s career was marked by significant victories over prominent fighters such as Carl Williams, Jesse Ferguson, and Joe Bugner.
During a recent appearance at BizX | The UK’s Biggest Business Event, he expressed his respect for Witherspoon, a fighter who was known to be formidable, stating that he was a “dangerous man” during their bout for the heavyweight title. Bruno’s encounter with Witherspoon ended in an 11th-round stoppage loss, a setback that did not deter his determination, as just months later, Witherspoon lost the title to James “Bonecrusher” Smith.
Bruno’s resilience is evident in his impressive record of 40 wins out of 45 fights before retiring at the age of 35. His final bout, a second attempt to reclaim the title against Tyson in 1996, led him to reflect on the decision as a “stupid” fight to take, showcasing his introspection and growth beyond his boxing career.
In sum, while Bruno faced many powerful opponents throughout his boxing tenure, it’s the recognition of lesser-known fighters like Witherspoon that highlights his extensive experience and the respect he holds for all competitors in the heavyweight division. His journey continues to inspire many within the realm of sports, as he exemplifies perseverance and determination.