Frank Bruno Reflects on Rivalry with Lennox Lewis
Legendary British heavyweight Frank Bruno has opened up about his ongoing strained connection with fellow champion Lennox Lewis, highlighting that their rivalry persists even over 30 years after their memorable 1993 matchup. During an appearance on Playbook Boxing alongside Spencer Oliver, Bruno did not hold back when discussing his feelings towards Lewis.
“It’s not… I don’t really like him. I don’t really dig for him. I don’t really check ‘cause he’s just… he’s just a snake,”
Bruno shared, reinforcing the animosity that has overshadowed their history.
Attempting to clarify his sentiments, he stated,
“He’s just a snake. You know what I mean? He’s horrible… called me some of that Uncle Tom and all them different things. He’s a snake.”
Bruno expressed that any chance of reconciliation seems unlikely, emphasizing that this longstanding issue has not been resolved.
“I’ve never let that go, man, because he’s a grown-up man, isn’t he? He’s like a child, isn’t he?”
he remarked, showcasing his lingering disappointment.
The Battle of Britain
The hostility between them traces back to their iconic “Battle of Britain,” where Lewis claimed victory by stopping Bruno in the seventh round, making it the first world heavyweight title fight between two British fighters. Tensions soared during the build-up as Lewis labeled Bruno with the derogatory term “Uncle Tom,” which led to serious frustration on Bruno’s part, even prompting considerations of legal action at the time.
Complex Relationship
Despite their history, Bruno has occasionally appeared in public alongside Lewis, but this animosity has continuously impacted their relationship. Interestingly, this personal discord has not deterred Bruno from defending Lewis in broader discussions about heavyweight boxing, including debates around contemporaries like Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder. His ability to separate personal feelings from professional respect illustrates the complexity of their rivalry, one that continues to be a defining aspect of British boxing lore.
