Frank’s life is a storied one. Growing up with five brothers and sisters in a terraced London house, Frank started at age 9 at the local Wandsworth Boys Club. He learned to box seriously while at Oak Hall School in Sussex, an establishment for ‘problem’ children. His amateur career culminated with Frank boxing for Young England and becoming the youngest ever Amateur British Champion at 18 years of age. He became a professional boxer in 1982, starting with 21 consecutive wins by knockout. He was at the height of his career when the world’s eyes were on the ring. He fought Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis and beat Oliver McCall for the WBC Heavyweight Championship of the World.
It is perhaps the fight outside of the ring that has been his hardest battle and that is his battle with mental illness. In 2003 Frank was sectioned for the first time and diagnosed as having Bipolar disorder. His well documented illness put Frank in the public eye and he used this media attention to help with the stigma attached to mental health and to help raise the standards of care given to those suffering with mental health issues. Frank supports many charities for mental health both financially and with his time. The British public has been so supportive of Frank during this difficult time for him, and he continues to receive a warm reception wherever he goes.
