Warren: Bruno needs space

Frank Bruno must be given time and space to recover from the condition that has resulted in him being detained in hospital under the terms of the Mental Health Act.

That was the plea made today by Frank Warren, the leading boxing promoter who guided Bruno to the world heavyweight title at Wembley in 1995.

Warren said: "I just hope everybody lays off him now and allows Frank some peace.

"Then, over a period of time when he gets out, he might get back to being one of the nation's favourite sportsmen."

Warren revealed how he received at least six telephone calls from Bruno yesterday, just before the 41-year-old was taken from his Essex mansion by police officers and paramedics.

He didn't answer his phone because, by tragic coincidence, he was consoling the family of close friend Ernie Fossey, who had died from cancer in the early hours of the morning.

Within boxing, 73- year- old Fossey was a highly respected figure. A former fighter, trainer, manager and promoter, he had more recently worked as Warren's chief match-maker. Warren told Standard Sport: "So far as my success was concerned, Ernie was one of the key players. He helped create a lot of champions."

One of them was Bruno, who was a house guest of Warren's just 10 days ago.

He said: "We sat down and spoke for about an hour. Frank was talking again about coming back and fighting."