It was a night that left British fight fans in shock and despair four decades ago. The stage was set at Wembley Arena as Frank Bruno, the rising star of British boxing, faced off against the American underdog, James “Bonecrusher” Smith. With a record of 21-0(21), Bruno was seen as the next great hope for a British heavyweight champion. On the other hand, Smith, with a record of 13-1(12) and a stunning defeat in his pro debut, was not considered a serious threat.
The fight started with Bruno showcasing his superior boxing skills, using his powerful left jab to keep Smith at bay. Round after round, Bruno seemed to be cruising to another victory, banking points with ease. However, as the fight entered the tenth and final round, everything changed. Smith, known for his slow but steady style, suddenly unleashed a brutal combination that caught Bruno off guard. The devastating blows had Bruno trapped against the ropes, unable to defend himself.
In a shocking turn of events, Bruno was knocked down by Smith’s relentless assault. As Bruno struggled to get back on his feet, the referee waved off the fight, declaring Smith the winner by knockout. The British fans watching on BBC were left in disbelief as their hero suffered his first defeat in a devastating fashion. Many believed that Bruno’s career was over, while others saw it as just a setback in his journey to the top.
Despite the crushing loss, Frank Bruno showed resilience and determination in the following years. It took him four attempts over 11 long years, but eventually, he achieved his dream of becoming a world champion. On the other hand, James Smith went on to face heavyweight ruler Larry Holmes in his next fight, where he was stopped in ten rounds. However, Smith shocked the world by defeating Tim Witherspoon to win a version of the world title in late 1986.
The night Frank Bruno met Bonecrusher remains a memorable moment in boxing history. It was a classic case of an underdog defying the odds and pulling off a stunning upset. The fight showcased the unpredictable nature of boxing and the resilience of the fighters who step into the ring. While a rematch between Smith and Bruno never materialized, the legacy of that fateful night continues to captivate boxing fans, leaving them pondering what could have been if the two fighters had met again.