Frank Bruno likes nice cars, smart suits and the odd massage… but he’s a saver too

Frank Bruno made his name battling opponents in the boxing ring – and mental health issues outside it. He become WBC World Heavyweight Champion in 1995 and retired a year later, effortlessly moving into the entertainment world of TV shows and pantomimes. However, he also fought mental health problems of his own… and on behalf of others. Frank, 62, helped others by being very open about his own issues and by setting up the Frank Bruno Foundation where he is patron and trustee.

What was your first money lesson?

My dad, who was a baker, died in the mid-1970s when he was 47. He left me, my two brothers and three sisters too early and certainly before we really had any money-related conversations. My mum, who was quite strict, wanted me to earn a good honest wage as soon as I could. She was a lay preacher, so the Bible was quoted to me regularly. “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty”, springs to mind.

How did you get into boxing?

I was always getting into scraps. I didn’t go looking for them but I was a big lad for my age and there was always someone who wanted to take me on. It was my teacher who channelled my energy into early boxing training and I later joined the Philip Game Boxing Club at around 17. Without boxing I think I would have ended up in prison. One day my manager Terry Lawless came round to say that he wanted me to sign professional [boxing] forms. Mum wasn’t keen but Terry told her the sort of money I could earn. Thousands… “maybe even millions”. She said: “I can then have a new dress and a new hat for church! Okay, where do we sign?”

How much money did you make when starting out?

I was paid enough to get by on but it didn’t leave a lot after paying for my family. And yes, my mum did get her new dress and hat. I just wanted to win, I wanted to be Muhammad Ali, Champion of the World. I wanted the adulation he received with all the financial benefits and other trappings that come with it.

Best year of your financial life?

Winning the World Championship in 1995. I don’t like talking about the money, but it was more than a million pounds and my best pay-day ever.

How did you plan for a post-boxing career?

I learned to tap dance, did loads of chat and entertainment shows, pantomime, kids’ TV, all so people who weren’t into boxing knew my name and face. I just said yes to almost every invitation so that I could get my face out there.

Are you a spender or a saver?

A bit of both. When I am ill, I spend a lot of money unwisely. I like my cars, nice watches, well-tailored suits. I do indulge in lots of health club treatments; I love a massage. But I still want to go out to work.

Best and worst money decisions?

I put my trust in so many people and it cost me hundreds of thousands of pounds. People who I thought were friends or close to me, just ripped me off. The best decision I made was getting my current team around me who genuinely want to protect me financially.

Signed copies of Frank Bruno: 60 Years A Fighter, are available at frankbruno.co.uk

To donate to Frank’s charity, visit thefrankbrunofoundation.co.uk