Joe Bugner has died.
Joe Bugner has died
The previous British, European and Commonwealth heavyweight champion – who famously misplaced twice to the legendary Muhammad Ali on factors – has handed away on the age of 75, it was introduced on Monday (01.09.25).
A press release from The British Boxing Board of Management learn: “It’s with nice disappointment that the previous British, European, Commonwealth heavyweight champion and world championship contender Joe Bugner has handed away at his care residence in Brisbane, Australia.
“The British Boxing Board of Management passes on its condolences to Joe’s household.”
Former ring rival Frank Bruno – who defeated Joe in a 1987 combat dubbed the Battle of Britain – has paid tribute to the late sportsman.
He wrote: “RIP Joe Bugner. Simply heard unhappy information of the passing of Joe, we spent fairly a little bit of time collectively across the time of my combat with him. He was a personality and performed Mr unhealthy man after we did the promotion for the combat. He had a protracted profession and fought many nice heavyweights together with Muhammad Ali twice, Joe Frazier, Henry Cooper. A tragic day for boxing.”
Promoter Frank Warren remembered joe as a “nice man”.
He stated: “Unhappy information to listen to of the passing of Joe Bugner, former British, European and Commonwealth Champion, and a person who went the gap with each Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. He additionally participated within the first combat I did on ITV – an important man who can be missed. I am sending my regards to his household. Might he relaxation in peace.”
Joe was born Jozsef Kreul Bugner in Szoreg, Hungary, in 1950, and fled the nation together with his household after the 1956 Soviet invasion, finally settling within the UK.
He started boxing as a youngster and shortly rose via the ranks on the newbie circuit, changing into ABA gentle heavyweight champion when he was simply 17 years outdated.
His skilled success notably noticed him defeat Henry Cooper at Wembley in 1971 to develop into holder of each the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles.
He retired plenty of occasions in his profession, first hanging up his gloves in 1976, earlier than making a number of comebacks and finally left the ring for good in 1999, having taken the WBF title on the age of 48.
He additionally served as boxing adviser on Russell Crowe’s film Cinderella Man and appeared in plenty of movies together with 1994 motion film Road Fighter. In 2009, Joe was a contestant on I am A Movie star… Get Me Out Of Right here! however left the present on Day 16.
