01 September 2025 , 20:46
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Former British, European, and Commonwealth heavyweight champion Joe Bugner has passed away at the age of 75.
Bugner went the distance twice with Muhammad Ali, losing on points in 1973 and 1975, and faced many of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing during his career.
Just months after his first defeat to Ali, he was beaten by Joe Frazier in a match at Earls Court, London.
Bugner’s passing was confirmed in a statement from the British Boxing Board of Control, which said: ’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 British Boxing Board of Control extends its condolences to Joe’s family.’
Earlier, in 1971, Bugner defeated Henry Cooper on points to claim the British, European, and Commonwealth heavyweight titles, cementing his place in the sport.
The Hungarian-born British-Australian boxer retained his European heavyweight title just two months later with a win over Jurgen Blin but lost all three belts to Jack Bodell in September.
Bugner also went the distance with Frazier, losing on points in London in 1973, before suffering defeat in a 15-round rematch with Muhammad Ali two years later in Kuala Lumpur for the WBC title.
He fell short in further bouts against hard-hitting names like Earnie Shavers and Frank Bruno but did achieve notable wins over respected contenders James Tillis and Greg Page.
By the time he retired, Bugner had built a professional record of 69 victories - 41 by knockout - along with 13 defeats and one draw.
Politics Editor