Former heavyweight champion Joe Bugner dies at 75

Sports

Former heavyweight champion Joe Bugner dies at 75

3 months ago

News sources:

REUTERS

INDIATIMES

DAWN

Former heavyweight champion Joe Bugner dies at 75

Credited from: REUTERS

Joe Bugner, a prominent heavyweight boxer, has died at age 75.
He fought Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier twice, showcasing notable resilience.
Bugner held British, Commonwealth, and European heavyweight titles during his career.

Joe Bugner, a three-time European heavyweight champion known for his bouts against legends Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, has died at the age of 75. His death was confirmed by the British Boxing Board of Control on September 1, 2025, stating he passed away in a care home in Brisbane, Australia, where he resided in later years, according to Reuters, India Times, and Dawn.

Bugner built a remarkable career that included winning the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles on two occasions. His career began in 1967, with a record spanning 83 fights, achieving 69 victories, including 41 by knockout. Notably, he first captured the British and Commonwealth belts by defeating the esteemed Henry Cooper in 1971, according to Reuters, India Times, and Dawn.

Throughout his career, Bugner faced Ali and Frazier in 1973, going the distance in both fights before another bout against Ali in 1975, where he lost by unanimous decision in Kuala Lumpur. Despite never winning a world championship, Bugner is remembered for his toughness and for sharing the ring with two of boxing's greatest icons, as noted by Reuters, India Times, and Dawn.