31 years ago
Lennox Lewis vs Frank Bruno
Date: 1st October 1993
Venue: National Stadium, Cardiff, WalesTitle: WBC World Heavyweight Title
Promoter: Main Events & Maloney Promotions
Referee: Mickey Vann
Tv: HBO Sports, Sky Sports Boxing
Lennox Lewis
(
23
-
0
-
0
)
Weight: 229 lbs
Frank Bruno
(
36
-
3
-
0
)
Weight: 238 lbs
On October 1, 1993, Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno made British boxing history at the National Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. This bout marked the first time two British-born heavyweights faced each other for a world title, with Lewis defending his WBC Heavyweight Championship.
Lewis, weighing 229 lbs, entered the ring as a 4-1 favourite against the 238 lb Bruno. The fight, attended by 25,784 spectators, was scheduled for 12 rounds and carried significant purses: $8 million for Lewis and $1.5 million for Bruno.
In the early rounds, Bruno surprised many by taking control with an effective jab. His accuracy and power gradually began to show on Lewis's face, causing swelling and bleeding. By the end of the sixth round, Bruno appeared ahead on many ringside observers' scorecards. However, the official judges had a different view, with two scoring it even at 57-57 and one giving Bruno a 59-55 lead.
The tide turned dramatically in the seventh round. Lewis caught Bruno with a powerful left hook that visibly stunned the challenger. Bruno, known for his vulnerability when hurt, froze instead of defending himself or clinching. Lewis capitalized on this opportunity, unleashing a barrage of right hands.
Referee Mickey Vann briefly interrupted the action to warn Lewis for holding, inadvertently giving Bruno a moment to recover. However, when the fight resumed, Bruno remained defenceless. Lewis continued his assault until Vann stopped the fight at 1:12 of the seventh round, awarding Lewis a TKO victory.
This fight not only solidified Lewis's position as the WBC Heavyweight Champion but also highlighted the unpredictability of heavyweight boxing, where one punch can change the course of a fight. It also underscored Bruno's unfortunate tendency to freeze when hurt, a weakness that had plagued him throughout his career.
The bout's historical significance and dramatic turn of events ensured its place as a memorable chapter in British heavyweight boxing history.
Lennox Lewis vs Frank Bruno on YouTube
