Former British, European, and Commonwealth champion Joe Bugner has passed away 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, Bugner later became a British citizen before settling in Australia. He forged a reputation for resilience and determination, sharing the ring with some of boxing’s most celebrated names.
Bugner is perhaps best remembered for going the distance with legends Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. He faced Ali in Las Vegas in 1973 and again in Kuala Lumpur in 1975, contesting the WBA, WBC, and Ring Magazine world titles. Though he lost on unanimous decisions both times, lasting the full 15 rounds against “The Greatest” earned him widespread respect.
He also battled Joe Frazier at Earls Court in 1973 and took on 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, a victory that announced his arrival among the heavyweight elite despite dividing fans with his cautious style.
Bugner retired with a record of 69 wins, 41 by knockout, 13 losses, and one draw.
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