Frank Bruno turned down the chance to face Evander Holyfield
The retired WBC World Heavyweight Champion, Frank Bruno, was offered up to £100,000 to take on the legendary American, Evander Holyfield, who returned to boxing last weekend in his defeat to Vitor Belfort.
But the Londoner, 59, said he wasn’t about to become Holyfield’s next opponent because one more punch in the face could blind him.
Frank, who retired in 1996 with a record of 40 wins and five losses, said: “The eye injury I sustained all those years ago in my last fight against Mike Tyson means I risk losing my sight if I ever box again.
“So, even though I am fit and in great shape, I’ve had to say thanks but no thanks. You can’t put a price on your health.”
Frank's last fight was in March 1996 against Mike Tyson for his WBC green and gold strap that he had won in his previous bout with Oliver McCall. He conceded the title in his maiden defence in a bruising third-round TKO at the hands of 'Iron Mike'.
Instead, Frank is now focusing on throwing a glitzy bash to celebrate turning 60 in November.
The dad-of-four, who has battled mental ill health since retirement, is throwing a ball to raise cash for his charity, the Frank Bruno Foundation.
A string of celebs and retired boxers are expected to attend the Frank Bruno Diamond Ball on November 12 at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes, Bucks.
He is also auctioning off the canvas from the Wembley ring where he became a World Champion against Oliver McCall in 1995.
“We’re hoping to raise lots of money so my Foundation can help the rising numbers of people going through tough times. Helping others as well as staying fit and healthy is now my biggest fight. I’ll leave climbing back through the ropes to some of the other old geezers.”
A string of retired fighters have returned to the ring in recent years. Last year Bruno’s former foe, Tyson, 55, took on Roy Jones Jr, 52, in a fight that ended in a draw.
Earlier this year it was reported that ex-World Champion Lennox Lewis, 56, was also eyeing his own return against Tyson.
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