Frank Bruno names the biggest puncher he ever faced

When you talk to any boxing fan, especially a British boxing fan, they will likely have plenty of positives to say about former WBC heavyweight champion Frank Bruno. The London-born fighter was beloved by the British public and considered a man of the people. He faced some of the best fighters of his generation, and when appearing on the Fight Your Corner podcast with Tony Bellew and Charlie Parsons, Bruno revealed the five biggest punchers he faced, including who hit harder than Mike Tyson.

Frank Bruno ranks five biggest punchers he faced

When asked on the Fight Your Corner podcast to rank the five biggest punchers he’s faced, Frank Bruno said: “Bone Crusher Smith was a hard puncher. I would say Tim Witherspoon (hardest puncher).”

“He was a dangerous puncher. Very slick, knows his business,” added Bruno.

When asked if James “Bone Crusher” Smith was second, Bruno said: “Yeah, definitely.” Revealing the third-biggest puncher, the former WBC champ said: “Mike Tyson at his peak.”

Bellew asked Bruno if Tyson was the most ruthless, and he said: “Most definitely, when he’s on his game.”

Discussing who would be fourth and fifth out of Oliver McCall and Lennox Lewis: “Oliver McCall. He’s mad. Something’s not right. Very strong guy,” said the Brit. Those selections left Lewis in position five, revealing the five biggest punchers that Bruno ever faced.

The Big Fight Weekend verdict

Growing up in the era when Frank Bruno (40-5, 38 KOs) was fighting, he was loved by the British public; there is no doubt. My Mum actually met Frank Bruno once and described him as a gentleman after they met at Notting Hill Market back in the 90s. Outside the ring, he was a gentle giant with fans he met.

Inside the ring, he mixed with the best, losing twice to Mike Tyson and once to Tim Witherspoon, Lennox Lewis, and James “Bone Crusher Smith.” He memorably went through the trenches to outpoint Oliver McCall to win the WBC title by unanimous decision, with scorecards 115-113 and 117-111 x2.

Bruno has gone through his own mental health battles since retiring, but he remains a loved cultural figure in the UK. He may not have been the greatest technical fighter, but he was the most loved.

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