Frank Bruno was taken seriously ill on a long-haul flight before being rushed to hospital. The British boxing icon, 63, was treated by medics at Doha airport before being taken for further tests.
He was kept in hospital for almost two weeks, where he was diagnosed with a viral infection, and had his passport taken from him so he could not try to leave, report The Sun. His manager Dave Davies said he is recovering and looking to return to work ‘as soon as possible’.
“Frank was flying out to work in Thailand when he was taken ill on the plane at Doha,” he said. “Medical crew attended Frank on the plane and at hospital. He’s now recovering and hopes to be back at work as soon as possible.”
Bruno was on his way to speak at four events in Thailand, catching a connecting flight from Heathrow to Doha. He posted a picture on Facebook prior to the flight, writing: “Morning so the Frank Bruno World tour continues. Up early for a plane, I don’t sleep well on planes but trying to catch up on some zzzzzzzzzzzs.”
He became ill soon after take-off. Bruno was travelling with PA Paul Hunter. On Friday the boxing legend thanked fans for their support and offered an update on the situation.
“The last 3 weeks have been tough especially not knowing what was wrong with me and a Viral infection can mean loads of things between Dave in the office and me we’ll keep you informed,” he wrote on X.
“At the moment I am told I cannot go to work so for the jobs last week and this weekend please accept my apology however the office is telling me most bookers want to transfer the booked dates. The office tells me already this morning hundreds of messages from well wishers so thank you.”
A source told The Sun: “Frank was fine when he boarded the plane — but quickly went downhill during the flight. He was in a really bad way and they were unsure what the problem was.
“It was extremely worrying as it was mid-flight so he was stuck on the plane. Paul and Frank thought it might be food poisoning, but it turned out to be worse than that.
“Frank was in a bad way and was sweating profusely and had fever-like symptoms. Paul was worried but was doing his best to keep him calm. He was treated on the flight at Doha, in the airport and then at the hospital.
“Doctors were really worried and carried out all sorts of tests, including for meningitis. They then diagnosed him with a viral infection, which at least meant they could start treating him.”
Events are planned this year to mark the 30th anniversary of Bruno’s famous 1995 triumph over Oliver McCall at Wembley to become world champion. An appearance at Hotel Football in Manchester on Sunday was cancelled, but it is hoped Bruno will be able to fulfil commitments in the coming months.
Heavyweight legend Bruno hung up his gloves in 1996 after a defeat by Mike Tyson. He subsequently struggled with bipolar disorder and is now a mental health compaigner.
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