David Haye outlines obstacles facing Frank Bruno if he attempts to box again

04 February 2016 12:53

David Haye has outlined the many obstacles Frank Bruno would have to overcome if he is to return to the boxing ring at the age of 54.

The retired former world heavyweight champion alarmed many when speaking of his desire to make what would likely be a risky comeback, after a 20-year absence and his ongoing struggle with bipolar disorder, earlier this week.

His agent Dave Davies has been told by the British Boxing Board of Control he would be refused a boxing licence. But even if he was to succeed with an application, Haye - who in January ended his own three-and-a-half year absence by stopping Mark de Mori inside a round - has revealed he will encounter numerous further challenges.

"First off is to get into shape," said Haye, who insists he is not "encouraging" Bruno to return, but that he believes no one should be allowed to stop him if he is fit and matched safely.

"Then you go and show the British Boxing Board of Control you are fit and healthy: you've got to do medicals, brain scans, blood tests, they really screen you properly, do a full physical, they check your retinas. They make sure you are in perfect shape.

"If Frank Bruno can pass those medicals (an eye injury forced Bruno to retire), I don't feel there's an issue. Who says Frank Bruno isn't cut from the same cloth as Bernard Hopkins (still a leading fighter at 51)? They both look fantastic.

"You then have to find a team, a coach who you trust and can help you. Frank knows what works, he knows what doesn't work, he can pick out a top-five trainer: everybody would want to work with Frank.

"You need to get a good matchmaker to get (an opponent) the same age as him. I don't think Frank's thinking about world titles, I think he's realistic enough about that, he probably just wants to get in there and have a boxing match.

"(The first training session) is hard, it's hard, it's not fun. But you've got to remember, Frank is in great shape. He's been in the gym training everyday, he's in phenomenal condition. He'll need to do some sparring, some technical work , he probably doesn't need to do too much.

"Your mind sometimes plays tricks on you to convince you you might not be feeling as good as you do feel, that you might feel weak in a training session, or day of the fight your legs might feel a bit weak, but I've learned that it's your mind playing tricks.

"Just ignore that: as long as you've done the work in the gym you'll turn up in the ring and you'll feel 1,000,000 per cent.

"(Rediscovering professional nutrition and discipline) is nice. It's tough but it's worth it, it's worthwhile, it's long-term health as well, it's good habits.

"The media side is minor, it's not a tough job. Some fighters hate talking, they feel uncomfortable, but I'm used to it now.

"(Fight night) felt natural, I would never have known it'd been three-and-a-half years since I'd been in the ring, it just felt like I was at home. There's pressure in all fights, at this level, when so much is riding on it."

Haye, whose next fight is on May 21 at London's 02 Arena, also spoke of a belief the British Boxing Board of Control should consider a senior competition so that ageing fighters can remain active in safer conditions.

"I think the British Boxing Board of Control should do some sort of senior tournament where they have maybe a maximum of 10 rounds, maybe two minute rounds, wear bigger gloves: do something just to cater for others," he said.

"I'm not encouraging anyone to get back in the ring. I said 'If he's made up his mind that he wants to get in the ring, I don't believe me or anyone has the right to stop him doing so'."

:: Tickets for Haye Day, Saturday 21st May at The O2, are available now www.axs.com

Source: PA