One of Britain’s greatest ever boxers, Frank Bruno is a former heavyweight champion of the world who won the WBC heavyweight title in 1995. An icon of British boxing he won 38 of his 45 professional fights with 95% of these wins came from knockouts. Over the course of his life and career, Frank struggled with his mental health and has been sectioned on two occasions. During his diversity and inclusion speaking events, he is able to discuss these struggles in his own uniquely humble and affable style.
Frank’s stock was at its highest in the mid-90s where he was regularly competing for the biggest belts in the world. In 1995, after failing to win the belt from Lennox Lewis in 1993, Frank finally achieved his dream. Defeating Oliver McCall on points, he won the WBC heavyweight title making him a world champion for the first time. Over the course of his career, Frank also stepped into the ring with legendary fighters including Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis, making for fascinating anecdotes at his speaking events. Recently, he relived his impressive bouts in the ring in the SKY documentary ‘Bruno VS Tyson’.
Coming from humble beginnings, Frank was born into a working-class family and it soon became clear that he was in danger of treading the wrong path. Regularly getting into fights on the street he was sent to an institution for ‘problem children’ where he was taught to channel his aggression in a healthy way in the form of boxing. Discovering his natural talent for the sport, Frank pursued it as a career and in 1982 he became professional.
Following his retirement from the ring in 1996 Frank struggled with his mental health and addiction to drugs. After being sectioned twice in 2008 and 2021, Frank faced his toughest fight yet, with his mind. Speaking of his experiences in overcoming addiction, adversity and internal demons, Frank is an advocate for greater support in mental health services and published his struggles in his book ‘Let Me Be Frank’. During his speaking engagements, Frank is able to explain the stigmas that come hand-in-hand with mental health and how greater inclusivity and acceptance leads to a supportive environment.
Impressing audiences with his tales of the ring and what it was like to compete at the very top of his sport, Frank expands on the highs and lows of his extensive career as a speaker. Ideal for every occasion, Frank’s inspiring, charismatic and honest delivery on topics such as the importance of inclusion in sport, always resonate with guests.
Frank was charming and professional, everyone thought he was lovely. Please, could you pass on our thanks to him for making it a great evening.”
“Just want to say a personal thank you to yourself and Frank for his work at the weekend. Without a doubt, one of the nicest people I have ever met, made the night for everyone and I can’t thank you enough. Everybody loved him.”
“The event went amazingly well, thank you. Frank was incredible! He arrived on time and nothing was too much trouble. All round lovely, lovely man.”
The Diversity and Inclusion Speakers Agency has been one of the UK’s leading bureaus for inspirational figures of different races, genders, sexualities and abilities since 2020. We supply speakers for corporate and public events across the world, and cater to both in-person occasions and online webinars. Our roster includes athletes, psychologists, celebrities and more, to ensure that audiences of all industries receive tailored, impactful advice on diversity and inclusion.
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