Mike Tyson fighting in 1996. Frank Bruno speaks in interview. Lennox Lewis in training. Credit: Focus on Sport/Getty Images John Phillips/Stringer Mirrorpix/ Getty Images

Frank Bruno names his tougher opponent between Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis

Originally posted on Bloody Knockout | By Donal Long | Last updated Mar 16, 2025 8:38 AM ET

Former world champion Frank Bruno is considered a hero of British boxing.

Competing for the last time in 1982, Bruno’s 14-year career would see him retire with a professional record of 40-5.

Hailing from London, Bruno was able to get his hands on his first world title in his second-to-last professional fight. Defeating Oliver McCall, who is still an active fighter, in 1995, Bruno made his dream come true in Wembley Stadium.

However, among his five losses include two of the greatest heavyweights of all time. Losing out to both Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis, Bruno had his say on who the tougher opponent was.

Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP via Getty Images

Frank Bruno says Mike Tyson was a tougher test than Lennox Lewis

Bruno would take on Tyson for the first time in 1989. The Englishman was riding a four-win fight win streak after an unsuccessful first world title attempt against Tim Witherspoon.

Facing Tyson in 1989, Bruno was challenging for the WBA, WBC, and IBF World Heavyweight titles. However, it was not to be for Bruno, losing via fifth-round TKO. Then, meeting seven years later in a rematch, the matchup would have the same result.

In between the bouts with Tyson, Bruno would take on Lennox Lewis in his third title challenge in 1993. However, it would be a seventh-round TKO loss for Bruno, as the two fought in Cardiff, Wales.

Having faced both men a combined three times, Bruno has revealed which of the heavyweight greats was the tougher fight.

Speaking to Anything Goes With James English, Bruno was asked who the harder fight was. “I think Tyson. [He was] very awkward, very difficult to catch.”

Bruno would go on to say that he didn’t believe that there would be another heavyweight who could resemble Tyson, in terms of his stature and success.

Frank Bruno’s final fight was against Mike Tyson

Having claimed the WBC World Heavyweight title versus McCall in September 1995, Bruno would look to defend his title against Tyson the following year, in March.

However, Bruno was unable to get revenge on his former foe in the rematch. Meeting at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, 34-year-old Bruno would suffer a second stoppage defeat to ‘Iron Mike’.