Former Heavyweight Joe Bugner Passes Away at 75 in Australia
British boxing legend Joe Bugner has died at the age of 75. He passed away peacefully at his care home in Brisbane, Australia, where he had been living in recent years.
“It is with great sadness that the former British, European and Commonwealth heavyweight champion, and world championship contender Joe Bugner has passed away at his care home in Brisbane, Australia,” confirmed the British Boxing Board of Control.
“The British Boxing Board of Control passes on its condolences to Joe’s family.” Known for his strength, resilience and ability to go the distance against the sport’s biggest names, Bugner was a towering figure in the ring during the 1970s and 1980s.
Tributes poured in from across the boxing world. Veteran promoter Frank Warren said: “He 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.”
Former opponent Frank Bruno called it a “sad day for boxing.”
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jozsef Kreul Bugner |
| Born | 13 March 1950, Szoreg, Hungary |
| Died | 2025, Brisbane, Australia |
| Nationality | British (naturalised) |
| Total Fights | 83 |
| Wins | 69 (41 by KO) |
| Losses | 13 |
| Draws | 1 |
| First Pro Fight | 1967 vs Paul Brown |
| Final Fight | 1999 vs Levi Billups |
| Notable Titles | British, Commonwealth, European, Australian, WBF Heavyweight Champion |
A Career Built on Courage
Bugner’s journey to the top of the heavyweight world began in turbulent times. Born in Hungary, he fled with his family during the 1956 Soviet invasion, eventually settling in the UK.
A natural athlete, Bugner took up boxing as a teenager and quickly made a name for himself, winning the ABA Light Heavyweight title at just 17.
In 1971, Bugner defeated the much-loved Henry Cooper in a controversial points win at Wembley to claim both the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles. The decision was hotly debated, but it marked Bugner’s arrival on the world stage.
Facing the Legends: Ali, Frazier, Bruno
Bugner’s career was defined by his willingness to face the toughest in the business:
- 1973: Faced Muhammad Ali in Las Vegas. Bugner went the full distance, losing on points but gaining global respect for his toughness.
- 1973: Just months later, he took on Joe Frazier in New York, again losing a gruelling battle on points.
- 1975: Met Ali once more – this time for the world heavyweight title in Kuala Lumpur. Bugner again went the distance in a 15-round fight, cementing his reputation as one of the sport’s most durable fighters.
- 1987: Returned from retirement to fight rising British star Frank Bruno. Bugner was stopped in the eighth round but once again proved his mettle.
Notable Milestones
| Year | Opponent | Result | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1967 | Paul Brown | Win | Professional debut |
| 1971 | Henry Cooper | Win (PTS) | Won British & Commonwealth titles |
| 1973 | Muhammad Ali | Loss (PTS) | First fight vs Ali |
| 1973 | Joe Frazier | Loss (PTS) | Heavyweight showdown in NY |
| 1975 | Muhammad Ali | Loss (PTS) | World title bout in Malaysia |
| 1987 | Frank Bruno | Loss (TKO 8) | UK comeback fight |
| 1995 | Vince Cervi | Win | Claimed the Australian heavyweight title |
| 1998 | James “Bonecrusher” Smith | Win | Won WBF World Heavyweight Title |
| 1999 | Levi Billups | Win (DQ) | Final professional bout |
A Late-Career Revival in Australia
After retiring in 1976, Bugner made several comebacks. He relocated to Australia in the mid-1980s and resumed fighting. He won the Australian heavyweight title in 1995 and later, at age 48, stunned critics by beating former world champion James ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith for the WBF title in 1998.
He ended his career in 1999, defeating Levi Billups by disqualification.
Life After Boxing
Bugner’s charisma extended beyond the ring. He appeared in the 1994 action movie “Street Fighter” and worked as a boxing adviser for the Russell Crowe film “Cinderella Man”.
In 2009, he entertained British viewers on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, showing a humorous, down-to-earth side that earned him new fans.
Joe Bugner wasn’t just a boxer; he was a battler. From escaping Soviet rule as a child to sharing the ring with the greatest heavyweights in history, Bugner lived a life that was nothing short of remarkable.
He may never have held the world title he chased so fiercely, but the respect he earned from fans, opponents, and the boxing world alike was worth its weight in gold.
He fought. He endured. He entertained. Joe Bugner is gone, but never forgotten.
