Boxing: Lewis urges Bruno to work as trainer

Kieran Daley
Sunday 28 September 2003 19:00 EDT
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Lennox Lewis has urged Frank Bruno to help his recovery from psychiatric problems by taking notice of the positive effect he has on others - and suggested he becomes a trainer to keep his sport central to his life.

Bruno was sectioned this week suffering from depression and is recovering in an Essex hospital, and Lewis said: "People love Frank Bruno - and as so many people love him, he should love himself with the effect he has on people when he meets them.

"He helps them in a very positive way. It's a sad situation at the moment and you can only wish him the best and hope he gets things sorted out. He should get involved with a young boxer and help him achieve his dreams."

Lewis, who will confirm whether or not he himself is retiring in the new year, urged Bruno to shelve his comeback plans, and called on the boxing authorities to do more to help former fighters.

Audley Harrison, meanwhile, is to donate £1,000 from the purse for his next fight, in Las Vegas on Friday against an as yet unnamed opponent, to the "Funds for Frank" charity recently established to assist Bruno's rehabilitation. Harrison will be looking for a 13th straight victory.

"I wish him a speedy recovery and hope Frank finds sanctuary where he is and the demons plaguing his soul will be banished," Harrison said. "I have lived with mental illness within my own family, so I'm aware of the symptoms and behavioural difficulties that Frank's family and friends have dealt with as his condition worsened.

"I intend to hold discussions with the British Boxing Board of Control to see if professional boxing can implement schemes to train and educate fighters in this country, allowing them to attain social skills beneficial to them after their careers are over."

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