Joe Bugner enjoyed a 32-year professional boxing career and died aged 75. He twice held the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles and was a three-time European heavyweight champion during the 1970s. A legitimate world title belt eluded him despite taking Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier the distance in 1973 and challenging Ali for the world title in 1975, losing on points. Born in Hungary in 1950, his family fled after the Soviet invasion and he later moved to Australia, earning the nickname "Aussie Joe". He fought frequently between 1970 and 1972, including continuing seven rounds with a broken jaw. Prominent figures such as Frank Bruno and promoter Frank Warren paid respects after his death.
Bugner, who was born in Hungary in 1950 before his family fled six years later after the Soviet invasion, was not always a favourite with the British public. Defeating the popular Henry Cooper Our 'Enry, as he was known at Wembley in a controversial decision in 1971 was a factor, as was his defensive style. A move to Australia, after which he became known as Aussie Joe, further turned British fans against him.
At his best, however, Bugner was a tough and brave fighter who was prepared to slug it out with anyone. He fought 24 times between 1970 and 1972 including a layoff after a points defeat against Larry Middleton when he fought on for seven rounds with a broken jaw that needed surgery. After establishing himself as world class, Bugner then took Ali and Frazier the distance within five months of each other in 1973.
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