24 years since Lewis and Bruno fought in Cardiff Echoes

SOME 24 years ago Wales found itself at the centre of the boxing universe.

Two hugely popular British boxers – Frank Bruno and Lennox Lewis – stood toe-to-toe in a Cardiff ring and did battle for the richest prize in sport: the heavyweight championship of the world.

It was an incredible event at the now-demolished National Stadium, one marked by rain and rancour.

The evening also saw the professional debut of a certain Joe Calzaghe who started out on the road to a perfect 46-0 record with a victory over the long-forgotten Paul Hanlon.

But Calzaghe – who was standing in the shadows as Bruno and Lewis fought in front of 25,784 spectators – would have to wait for his glory moments.

For this night – one which ticked into the early hours for the sake of American television – was all about Bruno and Lewis, who had engaged in a furious war of words for months. WBC champion Lewis, Londonborn but brought up in Canada since the age of 13, had cast aspersions on Bruno’s career outside the ring, particularly his appearances on the pantomime circuit. He quipped: “Look, I’ve fought more British fighters than that guy has. He makes a fool of himself, dressing up in girls’ clothing on television.” Bruno, meanwhile, had a dig at Lewis – who won boxing gold for Canada at the 1988 Olympics – by describing him as “... not British”. The trash-talking between the pair would lead to a bitter build-up and an explosive fight in which Bruno dominated the early rounds and threatened to upset the odds. But Lewis finally found his rhythm on a cold Cardiff night and there was no escape for Bruno from the seventh-round onslaught which ended his courageous challenge.