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The British boxing legend Joe Bugner, who twice fought Muhammad Ali and other great boxers, died at the age of 75. The British Boxing Board of Control confirmed earlier today that the former heavyweight champion, long considered one of boxing’s toughest figures, has passed away at a care facility in Brisbane, Australia. While reports indicate he had been fighting cancer in recent years, there is no official cause of death revealed as yet. His passing has sent shockwaves through the boxing community, where he is celebrated as a fierce competitor who went toe-to-toe with some of the sport’s greatest names.
While expressing sorrow, the British board released the statement, "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. The British Boxing Board of Control passes on its condolences to Joe's family." Meanwhile, the British board promoter Frank Warren paid his tribute by calling the legend a "great man who will be missed".
Joe Bugner's professional career was inspiring for many
Bugner, who officially retired from the ring in 1999 with a record of 69-13-1 (41 KOs), won multiple British, Commonwealth, and European titles during his storied career. However, his legacy is majorly defined by the matches he lost as by the victories he claimed, having gone the distance in spirited defeats against Ron Lyle, Joe Frazier, and twice against Muhammad Ali. His first encounter with "The Greatest" was in 1973, where he dropped a decision at the Las Vegas Convention Center before meeting Ali again two years later in Kuala Lumpur for the world heavyweight crown.
In 1973, Bugner also faced Joe Frazier at Earls Court in London, pushing the former champion the full distance before losing on points. All these matches showcased his capacity to keep the opponent at bay. Two years later, in Kuala Lumpur, he once again went the distance in a world title clash for the WBA, WBC, and Ring belts - falling short on the scorecards but earning lasting respect for his toughness and determination.
Fans on social media paid tribute to Bugner as a strong boxer who shared the ring with some of the best from the industry, like Ali, Frazier, Henry Cooper, and Frank Bruno, applauding his bravery and remarkable endurance.
