CANASTOTA, NY - APRIL 24, 2003 - The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today former WBC heavyweight champion Frank Bruno from England will attend the 2003 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend scheduled for June 5-8th.

"Frank Bruno is one of the most celebrated athletes in England," said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. "His many fans will enjoy seeing him in 'Boxing's Hometown.'"

Persistence marked Bruno's career. He captured the world heavyweight title in his fourth try when he decisioned Oliver McCall for the WBC belt in 1995. Bruno had previously lost title bids to Tim Witherspoon, Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis. During his career (1982-1996) he also held the European heavyweight championship and registered wins over Scott LeDoux, Gerrie Coetzee, James "Quick" Tillis, Joe Bugner, and Carl Williams among others in compiling a 40-5 (38KOs) pro record. In 1990 Bruno was awarded the MBE (Member of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II.

The Hall of Fame Weekend will feature over 20 exciting events. Living inductees to be honored include welterweight king Curtis Cokes, 2-time heavyweight champion George Foreman, junior welterweight champion Nicolino Locche, 3-division champion Mike McCallum, journalist Jack Fiske and author/screenwriter Budd Schulberg. Posthumous inductees will also be honored.

Over 50 boxing stars, including Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Emile Griffith, Ken Buchanan, Earnie Shavers, George Chuvalo, Angelo Dundee, Aaron Pryor, Alexis Arguello, Carmen Basilio, Gene Fullmer, Tony DeMarco, Marlon Starling and James "Buster" Douglas are scheduled to participate in weekend festivities.

For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 14th Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095