Boxing: Bruno has Lewis in sights

FRANK BRUNO will meet the American Jesse Ferguson at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre on 16 March in his first fight since losing to Lennox Lewis last October.

Despite the seventh-round defeat by Lewis, which ended his challenge for the World Boxing Council's title, Bruno was in optimistic mood yesterday.

'People say that the best they've seen me was against Lewis but I've got a lot more to offer,' he said. 'There is something in my bones which makes me want to try again.

'I still feel I have plenty to offer and am prepared to go into 1995 for another shot at the world title - or as long as it takes. And I want to fight Lewis again. '

Bruno's manager, George Francis, said 'There's room for improvement, even though I thought he was probably at his best ever going into the Lewis fight.'

Ferguson has lost two of his last three fights, beaten by the former world champion, Riddick Bowe, and Ray Mercer, and defeating Rocky Pepeli in between.

'Bruno-Ferguson is a very good match,' said the promoter, Micky Duff, who is well aware of the American's capabilities as he managed Ferguson for two fights while in the United States.