Bruno's brave talk

Boxing

Frank Bruno, the WBC heavyweight champion, but still an underdog against Mike Tyson, insisted at a news conference at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas last night that will return to Britain with the title after their scheduled 12-round fight in that arena on 16 March.

"I can't wait to get my hands on him," said Bruno, who will be making his first defence of the title he won in September in London with a decision over Oliver McCall. "I am 210% better since the last time I fought Tyson. I'm stronger and I'm heavier."

"I am at the top of the mountain and I'm going to stay on top. I'll still be champion," added Bruno, who has been training for six weeks in the Canary Islands. "Mike Tyson's not Superman, he's human."

Bruno, who now weighs about 17st 10lb, tipped the scales at 16st 4lb for his fight against Tyson in February 1989, when he was stopped in the fifth round. He shook Tyson in the second round, but could not hurt him in his attempt to capture undisputed heavyweight title.

Tyson appeared bored at times at the news conference. "It's interesting Frank Bruno's talking brave and courageous, but I beat him once and I'll beat him again," he said.