There are icons in boxing and then there are icons like Frank Bruno.
Bruno is somebody that the nation fell in love with, somebody who despite participating in the fight-game, was loved by everybody.
His remarkable rise to the top was accompanied by his catch-phrase of ?Know What I Mean Harry? being mimicked by comics, dads and children across the land.
The nation rejoiced as he marched towards a world title and then grimaced as Tim Witherspoon ended his dream.
Late one night, with Bruno taking on an in his prime Mike Tyson, we were all cheering Frank on, especially as he wobbled the fearsome Tyson with a punch that even had the commentating Harry Carpenter urging him to land the knockout blow and make history.
But history was to come in 1995 when, at Wembley Stadium, on an emotional night, Frank beat Oliver McCall to claim the WBC version of the world heavyweight title at Wembley Stadium.
Since retiring from the sport he gave so much to, Frank hasn?t had the best of times, mental health issues have seen him sectioned three times.
But Frank?s a fighter and instead of mellowing in self-pity he?s campaigned selflessly to raise awareness of mental health issues.
Today Frank Bruno reaches the ripe old age of 55 and I for one will, tonight, be raising a glass to toast somebody who epitomises all that?s good with this wonderful sport of ours.
You?re a legend Frank, a wonderful character and a gentleman.
Happy Birthday Frank Bruno
