As a former world champion, Frank Bruno has mixed it with the best in the ring.

The British boxing legend has faced heavyweight titans Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson in a storied career as he pursued supremacy in the blue-riband division.

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Bruno joined Lewis making British history in 1993, but he was beatenCredit: Getty

He first fought Lewis in October 1993, and was stopped by the superior technician when the referee stepped in to save him in the seventh stanza.

Bruno fought ‘Iron’ twice during his time as a professional, losing both times by early stoppage in February 1989 and in the final fight of his stellar career in March 1996.

But despite taking on two of the formidable contenders in his era, Bruno instead named Pierre Coetzer as his strongest rival.

He told The Ring in October 2017: “When I fought him, I can remember thinking this isn’t easy. This guy is strong.

“He was super-fit and used to train with the South African Army. When he landed a punch, it hurt more than most.”

Bruno faced Coetzer in October 1992, three years after first stepping in the ring with Tyson, and produced a vintage display in London to halt the South African in the eighth round.

But Coetzer left a mark on the Briton, which came as no surprise given he himself touched gloves with some of the best, including Riddick Bowe and George Foreman.

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Bruno was beaten twice by Tyson in his careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Bruno’s two fights with Tyson were arguably the most memorable of his career, particularly given he decided to call time on his career after his sequel with his rival in 1996.

‘Iron’ is considered one of the all-time greats, and ‘The Lion’ did give him such credit by naming him as the best overall fighter he came up against.

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He continued during his 2017 interview: “Tyson had the fastest hands. He was a good all-rounder and brilliant attacker. His punches came very quick given his size.

“He was definitely an animal in the ring, he knew what he wanted and went for it. Massive determination to win.

“Tyson had it all; the hunger to win the belts, to fight, to move and determination to take anybody down that crossed him at his peak.

“He knew the quicker he could get rid of his opponent the less chance he would get caught and he was determined to get rid of his opponents quickly.”

Jake Paul will now get a taste of what Bruno, Lewis and many more before him felt when the 27-year-old rising boxing star steps into the ring with Tyson in July when the former champion will be 58.

Bruno went on to name foe Lewis as having the best jab, with the British fighter reigning as the last undisputed heavyweight champion in 1999.

The fan-favourite had a brilliant career and reached the pinnacle of the sport, beating Oliver McCall to become WBC heavyweight champion at Wembley Stadium in September 1995.

His phenomenal punching power saw him drop some previously feared heavyweights, and stamp his name in British boxing folklore.