Boxing legend Frank Bruno was rushed to hospital after falling seriously ill on a long-haul flight earlier this month.
The 63-year-old former world heavyweight champion was hospitalised for nearly two weeks in Qatar after developing a viral infection whilst travelling to Thailand.
Bruno, who was awarded an MBE for services to boxing in 1990, had been due to undertake a speaking tour but was forced to cancel his engagements.
The father of four is now recovering after the mid-air health scare.
Frank Bruno fell seriously ill on a flight to Thailand
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Bruno had been due to talk at four events in Thailand and took a connecting Qatar Airways flight on March 3 from Heathrow to Doha.
He posted a picture of himself smiling in his seat before take-off, but his condition deteriorated rapidly during the journey.
"Frank was fine when he boarded the plane but quickly went downhill during the flight. He was in a really bad way," a source said.
Bruno, travelling with his PA Paul Hunter, was "sweating profusely and had fever-like symptoms" as the situation became "extremely worrying" mid-flight.
He was treated by airport medics upon landing in Doha before being transferred to Al Wakra Hospital, where doctors conducted a series of urgent tests.
Medical staff initially feared he might have meningitis but eventually diagnosed him with a viral infection.
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The hospital kept Bruno's passport to prevent him from leaving before he had fully recovered.
"By the end of his time in Qatar, Frank was getting frustrated as he was bored and wanted to leave," the source revealed.
He remained hospitalised for nearly two weeks before being allowed to return to Britain.
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Frank Bruno posted a picture before his flight before illness struck
Bruno's Thailand tour was scheduled to begin in Pattaya, followed by dates in Bangkok, Hua Hin and Koh Phangan.
"In typical Frank fashion, he was more worried about supposedly letting his fans down," the source said.
His management has cancelled a scheduled appearance for this Sunday at Manchester's Hotel Football.
It is hoped he will be able to fulfil UK tour commitments in May and June, including an "Evening With" event at Birmingham City FC.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Bruno's 1995 world title triumph over Oliver McCall at Wembley.
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Bruno's manager Dave Davies confirmed the health scare, stating: "Frank was flying out to work in Thailand when he was taken ill on the plane at Doha."
"Medical crew attended Frank on the plane and at hospital. He's now recovering and hopes to be back at work as soon as possible."
Sources close to Bruno emphasised to The Sun that his Qatar ordeal was not linked to mental health issues.
The boxing icon, who retired in 1996 after a defeat to Mike Tyson, is now also known for his mental health campaigning.
