The former professional heavyweight boxer, Frank Bruno, has been given the Freedom of the City of London, in recognition of his sporting achievements and campaigning and charity work to raise awareness of, and help destigmatise, men’s mental health issues.

Bruno, who was nominated by former Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Alastair King DL, who served last year, and his colleague, Alderman Robert Howard, attended his ceremony at Guildhall today with family members and friends.

Born in Hammersmith, Bruno began boxing aged nine at Wandsworth Boys Club, amassing a 20-1 career, and becoming the youngest Amateur British Champion at 18. As a professional fighter, Bruno weighed 247lbs and stood 6'3" tall. He achieved a record of 40-4, losing World title fights to Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Tim Witherspoon, and James "Bonecrusher" Smith, fighting a total of 167 rounds, winning 38 inside the distance, and 17 of those by knock-out. His career peaked when he beat Oliver McCall on points at Wembley Stadium on 2 September 1995 to become the World Boxing Council Heavyweight Champion.

He retired from boxing in August 1996 and in 1989 and 1990, Bruno was voted Sports Personality of the Year. He was awarded an MBE in 1990.

Drawing on his experiences of being sectioned several times, Bruno has spoken openly about his mental health difficulties, and the treatment and aftercare available for people coping with their conditions. He has also written an autobiography and founded the Frank Bruno Foundation, which has supported many thousands of people. Bruno continues to give talks around the world about his career and mental health issues.

Speaking after his Freedom ceremony, Frank Bruno MBE said:

“I was delighted and surprised to be offered the Freedom of the City of London, because London has been my actual and spiritual home for most of my life. I was born and grew up here, and I trained as a boxer and won the World Championship in London.

“Receiving the Freedom feels particularly poignant, because my good friend and fellow boxer, Ricky Hatton, was also due to receive it this year.

“I would like to thank the people who have recognised my achievements and made this possible. My mum and dad would have been really proud.

“As a Freeman, though, I’ll admit that I am not sure about me trying to guide and lead sheep across a London bridge!”

City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, said:

“Frank Bruno’s tireless campaigning work to help destigmatise men’s mental health problems has improved many thousands of lives over the years and most certainly, saved some of them. 

“I offer my congratulations and thanks to Frank for all he has achieved, and all he continues to achieve.”

Alderman Robert Howard said:

“Frank Bruno has become an inspirational figure, not only for his hugely impressive achievements in the boxing ring, but also for how he has spoken with admirable courage and candour about his mental health challenges.

“We are today recognising, perhaps even, celebrating, his significant contribution to opening up these sensitive topics for discussion and reflection, and it has been a privilege to join Alastair King in supporting Frank’s nomination.”

The City of London Corporation is one of the largest funders of arts, cultural, and heritage activities in the UK and invests over £130m every year. It manages a range of world-class cultural and heritage institutions, including the Barbican Centre, Tower Bridge, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Guildhall Library, Guildhall Art Gallery and London’s Roman Amphitheatre, The London Archives, and Keats House.

It also supports the London Symphony Orchestra and the new London Museum, which will open next year.

One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade. As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.

Recent high-profile recipients include actor, director, producer, and humanitarian, Cate Blanchett; actor, Ray Winstone; former professional boxer, Michael Watson; sports promoter, Barry Hearn; choreographer and director, Sir Matthew Bourne; and sport ambassador and former Olympic and Commonwealth Games athlete, Lady Mary Peters.

Notes for Editors:

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk