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Frank Bruno remains a much-loved British heavyweight legend after a fantastic career in the ring.
The Londoner is best known for having had four world title shots and finally coming good at the final attempt. His crowning glory came against Oliver McCall, whom he beat in September 1995 on points to lift the WBC title.
Previously, he had challenged for the same belt against Lennox Lewis and lost by seventh round KO, and for the unified titles against Mike Tyson in 1989, but was stopped inside five.
His maiden challenge came for the WBA belt in July 1986 but ended in the 11th round when Tim Witherspoon delivered the knockout blow.
Speaking to Fight Your Corner, Bruno was asked about the hardest punchers he had faced, and started with the man who hit him hardest and worked his way through his next four world title rivals.
“Tim Witherspoon was a hard puncher; ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith was a hard puncher. But I would say Tim Witherspoon. Yeah, definitely, yeah, he was a dangerous puncher, very, very slick, knows his business.
“Bone Crusher Smith second, then Tyson at his peak [third]. Most definitely, when he was on his game, definitely. Oliver McCall was dangerous [He’s fourth]. A very strong guy, then Lennox at five.”
After winning the belt at Wembley Stadium, Bruno headed out to the MGM Grand to make his first defence in a second fight with ‘Iron Mike’ but was stopped in the third round and decided to walk away from the sport.