Frank Bruno forced to close boxing academy as he posts heartfelt statement

BOXING legend Frank Bruno has had to close his boxing academy in Northampton – but has vowed to continue fighting for those with mental health issues.

The Frank Bruno Boxing Academy was established to work alongside his charitable foundation which has helped transform the lives of thousands of people.

Frank Bruno shared on social media the news his boxing academy was closingINSTAGRAM

Bruno is one of Britain’s most iconic heavyweightsGetty Images - Getty

The Frank Bruno Foundation – which continues to go from strength to strength – will carry on.

But with a heavy heart he’s announced the closure of his academy in a post on social media, Bruno said: “Due to many factors it was decided that the boxing academy needed a premises of its own to continue successfully.

“While a suitable building was found… that had already been run as a boxing gym, acquiring it had not been possible. So with great regret we now must accept that without suitable premises we can no longer carry on.

“You know the people that this hurts the most are those people who needed something positive to look forward to and to get involved with. My team and I honestly did try.

“As I have said many times before, if it was not for boxing I would have ended up in prison.”

Last night a source close to Frank Bruno told SunSport his determination to carry on fighting for those with mental health issues would not change.

The source said: “Frank works tirelessly with his foundation to help those suffering in silence. He’s gutted the academy will have to close.

“But his foundation is going great guns, and Frank will continue to give it his full support.”

The Frank Bruno Foundation offers well-being programmes, including a “stay in work” scheme to help professionals to cope with their mental health difficulties.

It aims to provide services to assist participants to get through their difficulties, stay in work, and give them the tools and skills to manage their mental health.

The charity also offers a “wrap around service” where mentors assist and help with issues such as housing advice and filling in benefits forms.

Help is also provided for CV writing, seeking voluntary roles in the community, and volunteering to help out with TFBF projects.

Bruno shared another post confirming the foundation will continue.

It read: “Morning can I re-confirm again as people are getting confused, the Frank Bruno Foundation charity and building is NOT, repeat NOT closing, it is the boxing academy.

“The charity/foundation is working hard and continues to go from strength to strength and we are welcoming new people every week.

“We are provide a service in the Northampton area that now is proving to be essential for people and carers who have mental health issues.”