Frank Bruno: Tyson Fury, my mate, is an absolute champion in the mental health fight.

FRANK Bruno has today named Tyson Fury the most inspirational sports superstar on the planet.

He tells us how the Gypsy King, both inside and outside the ring, is following his legendary steps.

Frank talks exclusively to mark his 60th birthday and says Tyson is Britain's best heavyweight fighter. However, he deserves more praise for his efforts in promoting mental health awareness among troubled youth.

Frank claims that Tyson's friendship is helping him win his battle with his mental health issues after years of struggling to overcome his demons.

Frank, who is celebrating his landmark birthday today, told HOAR that he had seen a lot in his 60-year life but what he saw was the most remarkable thing about Tyson's transformation of his life.

Tyson has done more to raise awareness about mental health issues than anyone in recent years. In my opinion, he's the most inspiring sports star on Earth.

"We both have had our ups and downs, but it has made us great friends. I now see firsthand how Tyson truly is on a mission to help others.

Tyson told me that he wants to find a cure one day for mental illness so others don’t have to go through the same thing as us. And I'd back him to do it. Tyson is the only politician I trust more than any of these politicians."

Frank said, with a steely face, that he was determined to continue fighting stigmatization until the end. It's comforting to know Tyson will continue carrying the torch for many more years.

Frank is still loved by the nation 25 years after his retirement from boxing.

He defeated Oliver McCall at Wembley in 1995, the year before his retirement from the ring. This win earned him the WBC Heavyweight Championship. It is still one of the most prestigious moments in British sport.

He has been a national treasure because of his stage and screen career.

In 1996, his retirement year, a poll ranked him second behind Princess Diana in popularity. Frank was diagnosed with bipolar disorder five years after he retired and his life fell apart.

Since then, he has been sectioned and held as a psychiatric hospital patient -- most recently last summer.

LIFE UNRAVELLED

He is now planning to open a series of mental health centers to assist those who have been through similar experiences.

Frank said that the last 12 months were probably the most difficult in his life. Last summer, I couldn't hold my heart open and would have said that I wouldn't have gone to hospital to celebrate my birthday.

"I thought that I was in control, but Covid lockdown and Covid just dragged the rug under my feet. It was difficult for me to deal with being locked up and losing my friends from Covid.

"I needed to reset and get better. I did. I did get my freedom back, and turning 60 taught me that there is so much more to fight for.

"I have a lot of things I want to do. It's not about titles or belts. It's about helping others."

Tyson, who suffers from bipolar disorder, has found a way to bond with Frank through this determination. They regularly speak out about their illnesses and share their coping strategies.

Both also run their own charities. Frank spent the day with Tyson before he flew to Las Vegas to meet Deontay Wilder last month.

Tyson was among the first to call Tyson and wish him well as he turned 60. Frank stated: "I received a video message.

"I believe Tyson has been enjoying himself and relaxing since his return from the Wilder fight. He deserves a break, good luck! Tyson will not be able to sit still for too long. "He's not that kind of guy."

Frank has the same feelings about Anthony Joshua, Britain's former Olympic champion and world champion. He has not been seen since September's brutal defeat by Oleksandr Usyk of Ukraine.

AJ's defeat means that the superfight with Tyson, which fans had been looking forward to, is now in jeopardy.

Frank, who won his world title at the fourth attempt of the fight, is supporting AJ, 32, to recuperate and believes he will eventually face Tyson.

KANGAROO BALLS

He stated that "This isn’t the end” of the AJ tale. Sometimes you have to lose in order to win. This is something I know better than anyone.

"Anthony needs to be calm, keep his head up, work hard, and come back. He's got the fire in him and will want to prove others wrong by coming back stronger. I would love to help in any way that I can. All he has to do is call me.

"AJ will also desire to fight Tyson to prove he is the best fighter in the universe -- but that part will not be easy!" Frank, who trains every day, is often offered the chance to return the ring.

He has received lucrative offers to participate in exhibition bouts against Evander Hollyfield and Riddick bowe over the past year.

Frank, however, who sustained an eye injury during his fight against Mike Tyson 1996, isn't tempted.

He stated that "One more punch to my eye could blind me. So I won't go there." I want to see my grandchildren become adults. Although I am still fit, I miss boxing and the thrill of it. But I have had my fair share.

But the idea of fighting on the dance floor is something else. Frank stated that he thinks he would be OK on Strictly. Since I was a child, music has been a passion of mine. When I'm not at the gym, I love to be on the dance floor and DJ.

"Apparently, I'm not a bad walker so I think I would enjoy the show -- plus they wouldn't need to spend much on a spray tanning."

He said, "I'd choose that over I'm a Celeb." I don't like snakes and don’t enjoy eating kangaroo balls. I would prefer a good steak and some garlic.

Frank's friendship and love for legendary boxing commentator Harry Carpenter is one of the greatest joys in his life. Frank says it led to the famous "Know What I Mean, 'Arry?" catchphrase that is still used by people every day.

Harry's death has been 11 years ago, but Frank was moved to tears by a previously unpublished interview he had recorded for the BBC icon.

It is part of Frank's new story, 60 years a fighter. He said, "I still think about Harry often. He was a gentleman and a diamond who helped me in every way possible, inside and outside of the ring. He was a huge part of my life."

Frank celebrated his milestone birthday last Friday with a celebration ball to raise money for The Frank Bruno Foundation.

"DUST YOURSELF AND GO AGAIN"

Piers Morgan and Wayne Rooney were among those who sent tributes. Even his old fight foe Mike Tyson sent him a video message of happiness for his birthday.

Frank said that the pair were now closer than ever, despite being in the same ring. Frank added, "Mike is misunderstood. It was great to talk about old times and we met up last year.

He's changed a lot since he owns a marijuana farm in America. Although he was the most evil man on earth for a while, he is now a grandad to me.

Frank is said to be dating Nina Coletta from Scotland. His priorities right now are mental health, family, and staying healthy and fit.

He stated, "I wouldn’t change a single moment of the past 60 years." Even the most difficult were necessary. They can make you stronger. You must get up and keep going.

"I have been extremely lucky. "I've had the privilege of meeting kings and queens, but I'm just a regular geezer who is no better than anyone else.

• Visit frankbruno.co.uk to purchase signed copies Frank's latest book.