WORLD boxing is in mourning after the death of Joe Bugner at the age of 75.
Bugner was a former British, European and Commonwealth heavyweight champion.
Shutterstock EditorialFormer heavyweight boxer Joe Bugner has died at the age of 75[/caption]
News Group Newspapers LtdBugner twice shared the ring with Muhammad Ali[/caption]
News Group Newspapers LtdHe also battled it out with Joe Frazier[/caption]
News Group Newspapers LtdBugner was a former British, Commonwealth and European heavyweight champion[/caption]
He shared the ring with Ali twice, first in 1973 in Las Vegas and again in 1975 in a 15-round bout in Kuala Lumpur for the WBA, WBC and Ring heavyweight titles.
However, he lost both fights on unanimous points decisions.
Months after his first defeat to Ali, Bugner also lost to Frazier in a match in Earls Court, London.
But in 1971, the Hungarian-born British-Australian international had defeated Henry Cooper on points to be crowned the British, European and Commonwealth champion.
He retained his European heavyweight title in a fight with Jurgen Blin just two months later, before losing his trio of belts to Jack Bodell in September.
The British Boxing Board of Control confirmed the sad news in a statement.
They said: “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.”
Bugner also fought against the likes of Earnie Shavers and Frank Bruno but was unable to overcome some of the most successful fighters of the era.
His career ended with 69 wins, 41 by knockout, 13 losses and one draw.
Tributes have poured in for Bugner following the news.
Frank Warren said: “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.”
One fan on social media said: “Very sad. RIP Joe Bugner.”
Another said: “R.I.P. Joe Bugner, boy could fight for sure. Took on Ali twice & lost on decisions. Also fought Cooper, Frazier, Shavers & Bruno. Was underrated.”
A third said: “Sad news. It wasn’t just beating Cooper that led to Bugner’s mixed relationship with home fans, but his legacy will rightly be that he mixed with the very best in the golden era of seventies heavyweights.”
A fourth added: “Sorry to hear of the passing of Joe Bugner.
“Fought and tested the greats of the heavyweight division and has to be considered as one of the best to not claim the title. Condolences to his friends and family.”
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