Frank Bruno health update after mid-air emergency saw him fall ‘seriously ill’ on flight & spend weeks in hospital
FRANK Bruno has made a “dramatic” recovery after being struck down on a flight to the Far East and spending weeks in hospital.
Boxing legend Bruno plans to attend the Conor Benn v Chris Eubank Jnr bout in London this weekend – and return to his national speaking tour next month.
It comes after we told how ex-World Heavyweight champ Bruno, 63, was rushed to the hospital in Qatar after falling ill on a long-haul flight on March 3.
He was treated by medics in the country’s capital, Doha, for several weeks after the mid-air drama as he travelled to Thailand.
Doctors diagnosed him with a viral infection and did not allow Bruno, whose PA, Paul Hunter, stayed by his side, to leave the hospital.
National treasure Bruno was feared to have contracted meningitis at one point, and was also treated when he returned to the UK.
The star was too ill to pick up a Lifetime Achievement gong at the British Boxing awards at the end of March, but plans to make public appearances from next month.
A source said: “Frank was in a bad way for a long time and people were worried – but is now thankfully fighting back to fitness.
“His recovery has been as dramatic as his illness, and he is looking forward to the fight on Saturday.
“He is well enough to be ringside and will doubtless chat to fans at the event.
“Frank really wanted to be there and obviously knows both Benn and Eubank’s fathers as well as the fighters themselves.
“He has spent Easter with family and friends and thankfully is now on the mend.
“Frank is looking forward to getting back out and about and is really grateful to his fans and the public for their support.”
Dad of four, Bruno has been sent thousands of ‘get well’ cards by the public since we told you last month of his mid-air health battle.
In a recent social media post, he said: “I am getting better and have been told to convalesce for a few weeks.
“Thank you for all your messages, I now have enough for two new chapters of a book – the last month has been eventful!”
After he fell ill on March 3, Bruno was treated on the Qatar Airways flight, then by airport medics after landing in Doha.
He was then whisked 10 miles to the Al Wakra Hospital, where baffled medics eventually diagnosed a viral infection.
Bruno has not cleared passport control so could not leave, and stayed in the hospital in the Middle East for two weeks, before flying home and continuing his recovery in the UK.
The star had been due to talk at four events in Thailand but suffered “fever-like” symptoms on the connecting flight to Doha.
As he boarded the plane at Heathrow, he had posted a picture of himself in his seat, smiling and with sunglasses perched on his head.
But he fell seriously ill soon after take-off.
Bruno is now set to make a private appearance at an event on Wednesday, May 7, before public appearances three days later in Norfolk and on May 17 in Bradford.
His national speaking tour marks the 30th anniversary of Bruno’s WBC heavyweight triumph over Oliver McCall at Wembley in 1995.
Our source added: “In typical Frank fashion, he was worried about letting fans down in Thailand – but that should not happen with his UK events.”
30YRS ON FROM EPIC WORLD WIN
By Michael Hamilton
FRANK Bruno’s planned UK tour this year will celebrate 30 years since his greatest achievement — beating Oliver McCall to land the WBC heavyweight title.
He outpointed the American in front of a frenzied Wembley crowd in September 1995 — landing the world crown on his fourth attempt.
Londoner Frank had made his professional debut in 1982 and became a fan favourite, winning 21 consecutive bouts by KO.
He also enjoyed a long-standing TV double act with BBC boxing presenter Harry Carpenter.
He popped up on TV shows, Comic Relief appeals and appeared in pantos, with the nation loving his “Know what I mean, ’Arry?” catchphrase.
His first world title loss came against Tim Witherspoon in 1986, before defeats to Mike Tyson in 1989 and Lennox Lewis in 1993.
After beating McCall, his first defence was against Tyson, who stopped him in round three.
Bruno suffered eye damage in the 1996 fight and retired — with a career record of 40 wins from 45 bouts, 38 by knockout.
The star has been open about his battles with mental health since quitting.
He helps others via his charity The Frank Bruno Foundation, and his book 60 Years a Fighter was published to mark his birthday in 2021.
The Sun was invited to the landmark bash, with tributes from stars including Tyson, Stephen Fry and Ricky Hatton.