British boxing legend Frank Bruno honoured with the Lifetime Achievement award and provides touching speech following well being scare
- British star Frank Bruno has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award
- Bruno achieved his lifelong dream of becoming the heavyweight champ in 1995
British boxing legend Frank Bruno has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Boxing Awards, recognising his immense contributions to the sport and his enduring legacy as a national icon.
Bruno’s illustrious boxing career began in the early 1980s, quickly establishing him as a formidable heavyweight contender. His powerful punches and charismatic personality endeared him to fans worldwide.
After several title challenges, Bruno achieved his lifelong dream in 1995 by defeating Oliver McCall to claim the WBC heavyweight title, a moment that remains etched in British sporting history.
Beyond his achievements in the ring, Bruno has been a tireless advocate for mental health awareness. Drawing from his personal experiences, he established the Frank Bruno Foundation in 2017, dedicated to supporting individuals facing mental health challenges through non-contact boxing programs and comprehensive support services.
In recent months, Bruno faced a significant health scare. In March 2025, while en route to a speaking tour in Thailand, he fell seriously ill during a flight to Doha, Qatar. Diagnosed with a viral infection, Bruno was hospitalised for nearly two weeks, leading to the cancellation of his scheduled engagements.
Bruno – who is back in the United Kingdom but still recovering in hospital – expressed his gratitude and reflected on his journey in a speech which was read by out by Ricky Hatton.
British boxing legend Frank Bruno (pictured above) has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Boxing Awards
Bruno won the world heavyweight title in 1995 and is one of Britain’s most popular fighters ever
Bruno lost to Mike Tyson twice in his professional boxing career
Upon receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Press Awards – supported by Applied Nutrition – Bruno said: ‘Thank you to Applied Nutrition and all the people that voted for me to win this prestigious award.
‘To receive a life time achievement award while only in your 60’s is a little worrying especially with my youthful looks and young man’s body!
‘But seriously, when I think back to when I was a child and Muhammad Ali was fighting and I wanted to be a World Champion fighter – I wanted to hear the ring MC saying ‘Frank Bruno Champion of the World’. Well in the 1995 it finally happened and that is my legacy and no-one can take that away from me.
‘Apart from boxing, I have tried to be the voice of mental health for the masses of people who are ignored. I am continuing to bring awareness of mental health suffers and their carers into the media and to MPs.
‘It’s a long journey but as a boxer I was a fighter and for Mental Health I will continue fighting. I am glad people recognise me for actually doing something and hope that when it’s time to finally retire that people of all ages from all walks of life can all say Frank Bruno has given to people in entertainment, in sports, and as an ambassador for charitable causes and he deserved a lifetime achievement award.
‘I thank you from the bottom of my heart. How proud my old mum, my dad (God rest their soul’s) would be of me now – a young cheeky big lad from South London, I thank you all again.’
