Joe Bugner, the former British, European, and Commonwealth heavyweight champion, has died at the age of 75.
The boxing legend passed away at his care home in Brisbane, Australia, according to a statement released on Monday by the British Boxing Board of Control.
“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 passes on its condolences to Joe’s family,” the Board said.
Bugner, who was born in Hungary, later became a British citizen before settling permanently in Australia. Over his career, he fought some of the sport’s biggest names.
He twice faced Muhammad Ali — first in Las Vegas in 1973 and again in Kuala Lumpur in 1975 for the WBA, WBC, and Ring Magazine world titles. On both occasions, Bugner lost on unanimous decisions but earned respect for enduring all 15 rounds with “The Greatest.”
He also fought Joe Frazier in London in 1973, just months after his first Ali bout, once again demonstrating resilience despite defeat.
Bugner’s domestic breakthrough came in 1971, when at just 21, he defeated British favourite Henry Cooper to win the British, European, and Commonwealth titles. The win stirred controversy due to Cooper’s popularity and Bugner’s cautious approach, but it confirmed his status as an elite heavyweight.
Although he defended his European title against Jurgen Blin, he lost his crowns later that year to Jack Bodell. Bugner went on to face dangerous punchers such as Earnie Shavers and later Frank Bruno, though a world title always remained out of reach. He ended his career with 69 wins (41 by knockout), 13 losses, and one draw.
Tributes have since poured in. Promoter Frank Warren wrote:
“Sad news to hear of the passing of Joe Bugner, former British, European and Commonwealth Champion, and a man who went the distance with both Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
He also participated in the first fight I did on ITV – a great man who will be missed. I’m sending my regards to his family. May he rest in peace.”
Fans likewise remembered Bugner’s toughness. One wrote, “RIP Joe Bugner, boy could fight for sure. Took on Ali twice and lost on decisions. Also fought Cooper, Frazier, Shavers and Bruno. Was underrated.”
Another added, “He fought and tested the greats of the heavyweight division and has to be considered one of the best never to win a world title.”
Bugner remains one of the few men to have gone the distance with both Ali and Frazier — a legacy that secures his place among the most durable heavyweights of the 1970s.
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