Former heavyweight world champion, Frank Bruno, was unable to attend the British Boxing Awards in London last Friday to receive his Lifetime Achievement Award due to being hospitalised with a severe viral infection. The 63-year-old fell ill on a flight from Heathrow to Doha on March 3, where he displayed symptoms of excessive sweating and fever, leading to immediate medical attention in Doha Airport. Initially suspected to be suffering from food poisoning, Bruno’s condition has since been diagnosed as a severe viral infection, which has kept him under observation in hospital as he continues his recovery journey. Despite missing the award ceremony, Bruno’s friend Ricky Hatton accepted the prestigious honour on his behalf, delivering a speech expressing Bruno’s regret for not being able to attend and his gratitude for the recognition.
In a message conveyed through Hatton, Bruno humorously expressed his preference for being at the event over undergoing frequent hospital tests. He thanked the event organisers and supporters who voted for him, adding a light-hearted remark about receiving a lifetime achievement award in his 60s and citing it as “a little worrying.” Throughout his health ordeal, Bruno has remained positive and interactive with fans on social media, sharing updates on his progress and engaging in conversations. Despite setbacks in his speaking engagements, including the rescheduling of events such as ‘An Evening with Frank Bruno’, he expressed appreciation for the outpouring of well-wishes from supporters and hinted at his eagerness to return to work once cleared by medical professionals.
Bruno’s blog posts highlighted the challenges he faced during his illness, initially uncertain of the nature of the viral infection and its implications on his work commitments. Acknowledging the need to follow health advice that restricts his ability to work currently, he expressed regret for cancelled events while assuring that efforts are underway to transfer bookings to future dates. The overwhelming support from well-wishers has served as a source of encouragement for Bruno, who looks forward to resuming his professional engagements once his health permits. His determination to overcome the health hurdles and return to work was evident in his messages, where he thanked supporters for their kindness and shared his anticipation of getting back to his usual routine soon.
Despite facing health setbacks, Bruno’s resilience and positive outlook have resonated with fans and supporters, who continue to send messages of encouragement and support. The boxing icon’s absence at the recent award ceremony reflects his ongoing battle with illness but also underscores his unwavering commitment to his craft and the sport. As he navigates his recovery journey, the outpouring of goodwill and understanding from fans and the boxing community stands as a testament to Bruno’s enduring impact and legacy in the sport. With his focus on recuperation and eventual return to work, Bruno’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience and spirit that define a true champion, both inside and outside the ring.