Boxing: Bruno for Hong Kong

FRANK BRUNO and Billy Schwer yesterday completed two thirds of a connection which will see them fight in Hong Kong on 23 October.

The third part of the all- British deal involves Herbie Hide, the World Boxing Organisation heavyweight champion, in the first defence of his title against Tommy Morrison, the former holder. However, Hides's Matchroom promotional team says the bout is still to be confirmed.

Bruno, 32 and looking for a fourth shot at the world heavyweight title, fights Ray Mercer, a top American, while Schwer, the British and Commonwealth lightweight champion, challenges Rafael Ruelas, the Mexican-born Californian, for his International Boxing Federation crown.

Bruno flies out to Hong Kong at the end of the month for an official contract-signing ceremony and returns with the 25-year-old Schwer some 10 days before the contests.

Mercer held the WBO title in 1991-92 and has beaten Morrison, but defeat at the hands of Jesse Ferguson 16 months ago saw him slip back in the title reckonings.

Stone inquest, page 5