INTERVIEW: 'Remember the losses because they help you win,' says former heavyweight champion Frank Bruno - The Coventry Observer

INTERVIEW: 'Remember the losses because they help you win,' says former heavyweight champion Frank Bruno

Coventry Editorial 21st Dec, 2017   0

BOXING: REMEMBER the losses because they help you win.

That’s the message from former Heavyweight Champion of the World and mental health ambassador Frank Bruno, who spoke to Observer sports editor Shaun Reynolds ahead of his visit to Leamington for his latest ‘Let Me Be Frank’ talk.

The 56-year-old will appear at the Royal Spa Centre on Thursday, February 22, to reveal his highs and lows during a glittering 14 year career in the ring.

Bruno, who has a record of 45 fights and 40 wins – 38 of those by knockout – will also discuss his battle with mental health, and how it shaped him to be the man he is today.




The Hammersmith-born fighter said he can recall every fight he contested in the ring.

But it’s the ones he lost that stand out in his mind the most.


“I remember every fight I’ve had,” Bruno told the Observer.

“The fights I won, but most importantly the fights I lost.

“I had 45 fights and five of those were losses – and those losses stand out to me.

“Confidence is a big thing in boxing and for me I had to ‘lose before I could win’.”

After picking up an injury to his eye during his final career bout against Mike Tyson in Nevada, Bruno retired.

But after years in the spotlight as one of sports greats, Bruno’s life took a turn for the worse when – in 2003 – he was removed from his home by medics and police officers under mental health act provisions.

He was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder and admitted to using cocaine during the early 2000s, which contributed to his lengthy battle with depression.

Since then, Bruno has reshaped his life and is now a mental health ambassador – helping others overcome situations similar to what he went through 14 years ago.

He said: “I’m very open about my battles with mental health – I didn’t have much choice.

“I advise everyone to look after themselves, eat right and exercise.

“But, most importantly, be jolly. That’s my secret to keeping healthy.

“Everybody goes through ups and downs. But too often we focus on the negatives in life, we should all remember what we do have.

“Everyone has a different story to tell and I enjoy meeting people from across the country during these talks.”

Visit www.atgtickets.com and search for Frank Bruno to buy tickets.

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