Boxing star in agony with pneumonia
BOXING legend Frank Bruno has been diagnosed with pneumonia after falling ill following a gig.
Bruno, 57, felt breathless and “tightchested” after entertaining 250 fans at a meet-and-greet event.
He was in so much pain that he was stamping his feet and crying out.
The former world heavyweight champion was rushed to hospital, where doctors warned him he needs “complete rest” for at least a fortnight.
A source said: “Frank is extremely unwell but, thankfully, he received brilliant care which ensured a very serious situation could be dealt with.”
Grandfather Bruno was working with comedian Jed Stone in Guiseley, West Yorks, on Sunday when he was taken ill.
His assistant convinced him to go to Horton Hospital in Banbury, Oxon, on his way home. A friend said he was not Fighting Mike Tyson in 1989 feeling 100% at an event in Bristol the night before, when he posed for pictures, talked about his career and answered questions, but thought he had a virus.
His manager Dave Davies said yesterday: “For a few hours the situation was extremely serious. But Frank got excellent care and will continue to be looked after. The only thing that matters now is that Frank gets better.”
Bruno won the WBC heavyweight title when he beat American Oliver McCall at Wembley in September 1995. Last week marked the 30th anniversary of his famous 1989 defeat to Mike Tyson in Las Vegas.
He was sectioned after suffering depression and bipolar disorder in 2003. Since then he has spoken in support of mental health campaigns, saying: “It’s a fight you can win if you live the right way.” DAVE DAVIES BRUNO’S MANAGER AFTER SCARE
For a few hours it was extremely serious but Frank got great care