BOXING / Title bid spurs Bruno to join Warren

Frank Bruno's move from Mickey Duff to Frank Warren, a rival promoter, is likely to take him closer to a fourth attempt at the world heavyweight title, a prospect which must have been the deciding factor behind his decision to split with Duff afte r a 13-year association.

Bruno, 33, had three attempts at the world crown under Duff's guidance. He was stopped in 11 rounds in his first attempt against Tim Witherspoon in July 1986, and was halted in five rounds by Mike Tyson in February 1989. His third campaign, against Lennox Lewis in Cardiff 14 months ago, saw him beaten in seven rounds after dominating most of the fight.

Duff said: "Frank's contract expired on the 10th of this month and he didn't renew. It didn't surprise me, but we have had a very good association. The reason he is going is that they have probably promised him a title fight."

Bruno took a rest from boxing after the Tyson defeat, becoming well known for personal appearances and pantomime, but returned to the ring just over three years ago. He defeated John Emmen inside a round, and had three more higher-ranking bouts before taking on Lewis. His final appearance for Duff was also a brief affair, stopping Jesse Ferguson in one round in Birmingham in March.

The world heavyweight scene was given a different complexion once George Foreman defeated Michael Moorer, the World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation champion, last month. A challenge against Moorer was in the pipeline for Bruno, butForeman's victory reduced his options.

Ken Jones, page 38