Boxing icon Frank Bruno rushed to hospital after falling ill on flight

The 63-year-old former world heavyweight champion spent nearly two weeks in a hospital in Doha, Qatar

Frank Bruno was taken to a hospital in Doha after falling ill on a flight (Getty Images for Prime Video)

Frank Bruno is recovering after falling ill while on a plane and being rushed to hospital.

The 63-year-old former world heavyweight champion spent nearly two weeks in a hospital in Doha, Qatar after becoming unwell on a flight that took off from Heathrow on March 3, according to The Sun, with a source telling them that he contracted a viral infection.

A post from Bruno on X (formerly Twitter) on March 3 included a picture showing him smiling, while sat on a plane.

That was accompanied by the message: “Morning so the Frank Bruno World tour continues up early for a plane I don’t sleep well on planes but trying to catch up on some zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz’s.”

Bruno’s manager Dave Davies explained: “Frank was flying out to work in Thailand when he was taken ill on the plane at Doha.

“Medical crew attended Frank on the plane and at hospital. He’s now recovering and hopes to be back at work as soon as possible.”

Bruno, who was accompanied by his PA Paul Hunter, is said to have fallen ill shortly after the flight took off and after initially suspecting food poisoning, they realised it was something more serious.

Frank Bruno is now recovering after being taken ill (Getty Images)

A source said to The Sun: "Frank was fine when he boarded the plane – but quickly went downhill during the flight. He was in a really bad way and they were unsure what the problem was.

"Frank was in a bad way and was sweating profusely and had fever-like symptoms. Paul was worried but was doing his best to keep him calm. He was treated on the flight at Doha, in the airport and then at the hospital.

"Doctors were really worried and carried out all sorts of tests, including for meningitis. They then diagnosed him with a viral infection, which at least meant they could start treating him."

An ‘Evening with Frank Bruno’ event that was scheduled for this Sunday in Manchester has been postponed.