Joe Bugner, the former British, European, and Commonwealth champion has passed away.
TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the veteran boxer died at the age of 75 in his care home in Brisbane, Australia, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) confirmed on Monday, September 1.
“It is with great sadness that the former British, European, Commonwealth heavyweight champion and world championship contender Joe Bugner has passed away at his care home in Brisbane, Australia,” the Board said in a statement. “The British Boxing Board of Control passes on its condolences to Joe’s family.”
Born in Hungary, Joe Bugner later became a British citizen before settling in Australia. He built a reputation for resilience and determination, facing some of boxing’s most celebrated names in the ring.
Bugner is perhaps best remembered for going the distance with legends Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. He fought Ali in Las Vegas in 1973 and again in Kuala Lumpur in 1975, contesting the WBA, WBC, and Ring Magazine world titles.
Although he lost both matches by unanimous decision, lasting the full 15 rounds against “The Greatest” earned him widespread respect. In addition to his bouts with Ali and Frazier, Bugner faced other formidable opponents, including Henry Cooper, Jack Bodell, Jurgen Blin, Earnie Shavers, and Frank Bruno.
Domestically, his defining moment came in 1971 at just 21 years old when he outpointed Cooper to claim the British, European, and Commonwealth crowns. This victory marked his arrival among the heavyweight elite, despite his cautious fighting style dividing fans. Bugner retired with a professional record of 69 wins, 41 by knockout, 13 losses, and one draw.