FRANK BRUNO was last night left to reflect on the startling difference a year can make in the life of a high profile boxer. Precisely 362 days after his crowning glory of winning the WBC heavyweight title, Bruno sat in the same Brentwood hotel in which he paraded his championship belt on the morning after beating Olive McCall at Wembley stadium.

This time, though, Bruno faced the media to confirm his retirement on doctor's orders. And Bruno went out with a "no remorse" message to the critics who are overwhelmingly outnumbered by his millions of supporters.

"I've got no remorse against any boxer. I want peace in my world. I've had a good innings, I'm chilled. We've all had a big cut of the cake, I've had my fair share and I don't want to be greedy.

"I've just had to duck and dive, try to do well in this life. I've tried to make my way and I have achieved a lot, but I haven't got an ounce of regret, no regrets at all."

Bruno's career was halted on the suggestion of professor David McLeod, who advised the former world champion to quit. He told Bruno that it was unlikely he would pass the British Boxing Board of Control's strict eyesight standards.

Bruno underwent a retina operation in 1991, after which boxing chiefs allowed him to continue his career, which climaxed with his triumph over McCall.

As yet, Bruno says he has made no decision on his immediate future, wanting time to discuss the coming years with his family: "I've been under constant pressure for 16 or 17 years, it's time to have a bit of a blow, unwind," he said. "I shed a tear when I was told, but life goes on. One door shuts and another opens, that's what you hope."