Frank Bruno returns to Birmingham

Boxing favourite Frank Bruno is coming back to Birmingham after a four-year absence for a special sportsman's dinner next month.

The former WBC world heavyweight champion is coming to the Holiday Inn, Queensway, on June 11, his first appearance in the city since 2007.

The 49-year-old was last in the West Midlands as a support act to Ricky Hatton at Wolverhampton Civic Hall in January 2009 but will be the star of the show this time around - and will not be alone.

Bruno will be interviewed on the night by another former world champion, WBO super middleweight title holder Steve Collins, before fronting questions put to him by fans in attendance.

The guest list is led by two more ex-World champions in Richie Woodhall and Jane Couch MBE, along with Britain's only world amateur titlist Frankie Gavin and 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Don Broadhurst.

Current professionals Max Maxwell and Cello Renda will also attend, as will Birmingham City footballer Craig Gardner.

A four-course meal will follow Bruno, along with music from Birmingham-based Irish rockers the Holy Show Band.

And promoter Jon Pegg believes the night will offer a positive insight of one of the country's most popular boxing figures of the last 30 years.

He said: "It's going to be a good night for the average boxing fan, most people grew up watching Frank Bruno and we all remember him.

"Steve Collins brings the best out of him, they talk about his world title fights and stay away from the bad stuff, it's all very positive.

"He's definitely the most popular English heavyweight champion since his time and he's a really good guy to speak and listen to."

Tickets for the night, which include a four-course meal, are £65 or £600 for a table of 10.

They can be purchased by calling promoter Jon Pegg on 07973 635 135.