A CHAMPION NIGHT OUT

This is the first time an audience with two British sporting greats of such stature is being held in the Balearics to commemorate their professional careers.

Both former world champion boxers have impressive stories to tell. “The Dark Destroyer” Benn, who now lives in Majorca, has previously told part of his tough fight, both in the ring and out of it, to the Bulletin but “Big Frank” Bruno has it all to tell.

Ironically, both are now well known for rather different talents, Benn as a highly acclaimed DJ and Bruno, whose last professional fight was against Mike Tyson, is in massive demand during pantomime season.

Both also have lucrative television commitments as reality show guests and boxing commentators.
In 2001 Bruno even toyed with the idea of standing as the Conservative candidate in the traditionally safe Tory seat of Brentwood against the Independent MP Martin Bell. Bruno's proposed slogan was “Don't be a plank, vote for Frank.” However, his political aspirations were dashed by Central Office.
Benn, who held both the world Middleweight and Super Middleweight titles, turned professional in 1987 with a win over Graeme Ahmed in Croydon.
He then went on to record 22 consecutive knock-out victories which lasted until 1989 when he went on to beat Doug DeWitt to lift the WBO world Middleweight title. In 1991, he embarked on another ten-fight winning streak which ended with the World Super Middleweight crown.

He defended his title three times, once against Chris Eubank, But his life changed when he took on World Middleweight Champion Gerald McClellen and the fight nearly ended in tragedy with McClellen in a coma.

According to Benn's trainer at the time, that fight took the fighting spirit out of him.
Big Frank turned professional in 1980 and quickly racked up 21 knockout consecutive wins.
That streak was however ended in 1984 by Bonecrusher Smith.
Bruno did not give up his quest for the title.
He went on to beat former WBA world champion Gerrie Coetzee before losing a championship challenge against Tim Witherspoon.
In 1989 Bruno rocked, but lost to Tyson, in 1993, despite leading the fight on points, was knocked out in the seventh round by defending champion Lennox Lewis.

However, in 1994, Bruno was crowned World Heavyweight Champion after beating Oliver McCall, who had taken the title from Lewis, on points.
However, it was Mike Tyson who ended Big Frank's reign as champion.
Santa Ponsa Country Club director Iain Bainbridge is very excited about the evening. “The event has attracted a lot of interest from British residents, our VIP tables have already sold out. These kinds of events are extremely popular in the UK but it is definitely something different for Majorca. It will be an excellent night.” A memorabilia auction will also be held on the night and a donation will be made to the Robert Winsor Charity Foundation.