British boxing legend Frank Bruno is currently recovering after experiencing a health scare on a flight to Thailand. The 63-year-old former world heavyweight champion became ill during a long-haul Qatar Airways flight from Heathrow to Doha on March 3, 2025, shortly before he was set to embark on a speaking tour in Asia.
Bruno was scheduled to speak at four events across Thailand, commencing on March 6 in Pattaya, followed by appearances in Bangkok, Hua Hin, and Koh Phangan. Just prior to his departure, he took to social media, posting a cheerful picture of himself captioned, “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 zzzzzzzzzzzzz.” Unfortunately, this lighthearted moment was soon overshadowed by his sudden health crisis.
According to reports, Bruno started feeling unwell shortly after takeoff, showing symptoms including fever and profuse sweating. His personal assistant, Paul Hunter, alerted the flight crew as Bruno's condition worsened. Upon landing in Doha, medical personnel quickly responded to the situation:
“Frank was fine when he boarded the plane but quickly went downhill during the flight. He was in a really bad way,” a source told The Sun.
Bruno received immediate medical attention upon arrival at Doha Airport and was subsequently transported to Al Wakra Hospital for further treatment. Medical staff initially feared he might have meningitis, but after extensive testing, he was diagnosed with a viral infection.
“He’s now recovering and hopes to be back at work as soon as possible,” his manager, Dave Davies, stated. “Medical crew attended Frank on the plane and at the hospital.”
Bruno remained hospitalized for nearly two weeks to stabilize his condition. Doctors confiscated his passport to prevent him from leaving prematurely, as they closely monitored his recovery. This precaution was necessary, given the severity of his symptoms and his initial diagnosis.
As Bruno recuperates, he expressed concern over potentially disappointing his fans by canceling the tour dates. “In typical Frank fashion, he was more worried about supposedly letting his fans down,” a source informed The Sun.
Frank Bruno's illustrious boxing career began in 1982, where he quickly became one of the most celebrated heavyweights in British history. He won the WBC heavyweight title in 1995 after a hard-fought victory against Oliver McCall at Wembley Stadium. Throughout his career, Bruno battled some of the sport's top contenders, including two notable fights against Mike Tyson, and has a remarkable record of 40 wins, 38 of which came by knockout.
Bruno’s legacy transcends boxing; he has also become an advocate for mental health awareness after openly discussing his struggles with bipolar disorder. His challenges with mental health have been documented, including several hospital admissions in the past few years as he navigated the implications of both his boxing career and personal life.
Despite these challenges, Bruno remains optimistic. “Frank is now on the mend and is grateful for the care he received in Qatar,” confirmed his manager. With hopes set on fulfilling future commitments, including events to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his WBC title win, Bruno continues to inspire fans worldwide.
His management has canceled an anticipated appearance at Manchester’s Hotel Football on March 23, 2025, but they remain hopeful he can resume his speaking engagements later this year, including an “Evening With” event at Birmingham City FC.
In summary, Frank Bruno's health scare during his flight highlights not only the unpredictability of personal health issues but also the strength and resilience of a beloved figure in boxing. As he recuperates, fans across the globe look forward to his return to the stage and the inspiring stories he has yet to share.
