Boxing legend Frank Bruno was given the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Boxing Awards on Friday night, but the 63-year-old was too ill to attend
Frank Bruno has revealed he is still having daily tests in hospital after falling seriously ill with a viral infection. The boxing legend was rushed to hospital in Qatar, having complained of worrying symptoms on a flight from Heathrow to Doha on March 3.
He was treated by medics at Doha Airport after sweating profusely and displaying fever-like symptoms, which he initially thought might be food poisoning. The 63-year-old has been recovering ever since and has reassured his fans that he wants to get back working as soon as possible.
But his inability to attend the British Boxing Awards, which were held in London on Friday, shows that he is still struggling. Bruno was given the Lifetime Achievement Award at the awards ceremony, but had to send an acceptance speech for his friend Ricky Hatton to read out because he was too ill to collect the gong.
The Sun reports that the speech read: “I am sorry I cannot be with you tonight. Trust me – I would far rather be with you than in hospital having daily tests.
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“Thank you to the organisers of this event and all the people that voted for me to get this prestigious award. To get a lifetime achievement award while only in your 60s is a little worrying though, especially with my youthful looks!”
Despite his health scare, Bruno appears to be in good spirits and is still tweeting regularly to update his fans and share his thoughts on current events.
In a post written last Saturday, Bruno wrote: “Afternoon, I have to say a massive thank you to the hundreds of you that have sent goodwill messages, you are very kind! You’ll laugh: someone contacted my office and said ‘I know Frank’s ill but can he do an event tonight please?’
“Trust me, as soon as I get the all clear to go back to work I’ll be shouting from the rooftops! Was it me or was the England game a bit boring? Have a good weekend and thanks again for your goodwill messages, some from overseas and no I don’t mean Jersey!”
Bruno’s speaking events have been postponed while he recovers. An engagement in Manchester called ‘An Evening with Frank Bruno’ was pushed back, while other pre-planned events are on hold.
Back on March 21, Bruno wrote: “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.
“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. Can’t wait to get back to work.”
