Bruno v Tyson is a breezy documentary about the two pugilists who fought each other twice.
At the climax of the documentary, both Bruno and Tyson meet up and talk a little about the fights they had and the progress of their turbulent lives.
Frank Bruno was touted as the Great British Hope ever since he emerged in the early 1980s. He was muscular in an era where some heavyweights looked flabby. One of them was even called Tony Tubbs.
Bruno had a big punch but always looked a bit stiff and there were questions about his stamina.
It took Bruno 13 years to become the world heavyweight champion. In contrast Mike Tyson did it in about 2 years after turning professional. He was the youngest boxer to win a heavyweight title when he beat Trevor Berbick in 1986.
Tyson shook up the moribund heavyweight division that had not quite recovered from its golden 1970s era that saw the like of Ali, Frazier, Norton and Foreman.
In the 1980s, there were different belts and champions of varying qualities. All seemed to be controlled by one promoter, Don King.
Tyson became undisputed world heavyweight champion in 1988. The following year Tyson fought Bruno for the first time. Although Bruno hurt Tyson in the first round, by the fifth it was all over with Tyson retaining his titles.
However by the late 1980s, Tyson had attracted controversy over his personal behaviour. In 1990 he lost his titles and in 1991 Tyson was arrested for rape and eventually imprisoned.
Frank Bruno did become world heavyweight champion in 1995 when he beat Oliver McCall. However contractually he had to face Mike Tyson in his first defence. Tyson beat him again and Bruno retired because of his worsening eyesight.
Post retirement Bruno's marriage collapsed and he suffered from mental health issues.
There is little here that is insightful. It is basically a rundown of both men's careers and controversies. Even their chat at the end is brief.
