Joe Bugner, the former British, European, and Commonwealth heavyweight champion, has died at the age of 75 in Brisbane, Australia, where he had been living in a care home. His death was confirmed by the British Boxing Board of Control, which extended condolences to his family.
Born in Hungary, Bugner moved to Britain as a child and later became a citizen before eventually settling in Australia. Over the years, he built a reputation for toughness and perseverance, stepping into the ring with some of boxing’s biggest names.
Bugner’s career is most often remembered for his bouts with Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. He went the full 15 rounds with Ali twice—in Las Vegas in 1973 and again in Kuala Lumpur in 1975—fighting for the WBA, WBC, and Ring Magazine world titles. Though he lost both matches on points, his ability to last the distance against Ali earned him admiration around the boxing world.
That same year, 1973, he also shared the ring with Frazier at Earls Court in London. Throughout his career, Bugner faced off against other notable opponents such as Henry Cooper, Jack Bodell, Jurgen Blin, Earnie Shavers, and Frank Bruno.
One of his defining moments came in 1971, when at just 21 years old he defeated Henry Cooper on points to claim the British, European, and Commonwealth belts. The win marked his breakthrough, though it divided public opinion at the time due to his defensive approach in the ring.
By the end of his career, Bugner had fought 83 times, recording 69 victories—41 by knockout—alongside 13 defeats and a single draw.
