Joe Bugner, the former British heavyweight boxing champion, who challenged Muhammad Ali for the world title, has died aged 75.
Bugner, who also held the European and Commonwealth heavyweight crowns, died at a care home in Brisbane, Australia, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) said.
Announcing his death « with great sadness », the board said it « passes on its condolences to Joe’s family ».
Bugner in his 1987 bout against Frank Bruno. Pic: Action Images/Reuters
Over a 32-year career beginning in 1967, the fighter won 69 of his 83 contests – 41 inside the distance – with 13 defeats and one draw.
He fought Ali twice, losing on points both times, including when challenging the American legend for the world heavyweight title in Kuala Lumpur in 1975.
He was born in Hungary in 1950 before his family moved to the UK, after fleeing amid the 1956 Soviet invasion.
Bugner forced Henry Cooper into retirement after a controversial points win in 1971, capturing the British, Commonwealth and European crowns in the process.
It was one of two British title wins, while he was also a three-time European champion.
His victory over Cooper by a quarter of a point at a time when fights were counted in fractions, meant he struggled for acceptance in his adopted country.
Bugner fighting Muhammad Ali in Las Vegas in 1973. Pic: AP
He lost to Joe Frazier, another legend of the ring, on points, having taken him the distance in 1973, before a 1987 stoppage defeat to Frank Bruno led to his retirement from the ring.
Eight years later, money troubles forced him into a comeback, taking the Australian title as well as the lightly-regarded WBF (World Boxing Federation) belt, aged 48.
He retired at 49 after beating US fighter Levi Billups on Australia’s Gold Coast in 1999.
Bugner was affectionately known as ‘Aussie Joe’ in the last few years as a boxer, having been warmly received in Australia in a manner he had been unaccustomed to during his career in Britain.
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Bruno said in a post on X it was « a sad day for boxing », calling Bugner a « character » who « played Mr bad guy » before their fight.
Promoter Frank Warren wrote on X that Bugner was « a great man who will be missed ».
After giving up the sport, Bugner was involved within the film industry and appeared on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! in 2009.
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