BRISBANE, Australia (BN24) — Joe Bugner, the former British, European, and Commonwealth heavyweight boxing champion who once went the distance with both Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, has died at the age of 75.
The British Boxing Board of Control confirmed his death in a statement Monday, noting that Bugner passed away at his care home in Brisbane, Australia, where he had lived for years. No cause of death was immediately disclosed.
“It is with great sadness that the former British, European, Commonwealth heavyweight champion and world championship contender Joe Bugner has passed away,” the Board said. “The British Boxing Board of Control passes on its condolences to Joe’s family.”
Born in Hungary in 1950, Bugner became a British citizen as a child and later emigrated to Australia, where he spent his later life. His boxing career spanned more than two decades and featured showdowns with some of the most legendary names in heavyweight history.
Bugner twice fought Muhammad Ali, first in Las Vegas in 1973 and again in Kuala Lumpur in 1975 for the WBA, WBC, and The Ring Magazine world titles. On both occasions, Bugner went the full 15 rounds, losing by unanimous decision but earning widespread respect for his endurance against “The Greatest.”
In between those bouts, Bugner faced Joe Frazier in London’s Earls Court in 1973, just months after his first clash with Ali. Though he lost, the fight further cemented Bugner’s reputation as one of the division’s most durable contenders.
Domestically, Bugner achieved fame in 1971 when, at just 21, he scored a controversial decision victory over beloved British fighter Henry Cooper to claim the British, European, and Commonwealth heavyweight titles. The win was met with mixed reactions—Cooper was a national icon, and Bugner’s defensive style polarized fans—but the bout marked his arrival at the top tier of heavyweight boxing.
He successfully defended his European title against Jurgen Blin before losing his titles to Jack Bodell later in 1971. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Bugner continued to face elite opponents, including the hard-hitting Earnie Shavers and future British star Frank Bruno.
Despite never capturing a world title, Bugner ended his professional career with a commendable record of 69 wins (41 by knockout), 13 losses, and one draw.
Tributes poured in across the boxing community following the news of his passing. Frank Warren, a leading British promoter, wrote: “Sad news to hear of the passing of Joe Bugner… 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 also took to social media to honor Bugner’s toughness and longevity. One tribute read: “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 wrote: “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 only a few fighters to have gone the distance with both Ali and Frazier—a distinction that underscores his status as one of the toughest heavyweight boxers of the 1970s.
