Joe Bugner, the British heavyweight who went the distance with boxing legends Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in the 1970s, has died aged 75, it has been announced.
Bugner twice held the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles and was a three-time European heavyweight champion, holding all three for the first time when defeating Henry Cooper in 1971.
He faced Ali and Frazier in 1973, before facing Ali again in a world title fight in Kuala Lumpur in 1975, losing all on points.
“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,”the British Boxing Board of Control said.
“The British Boxing Board of Control passes on its condolences to Joe’s family.”
Bugner’s professional career read 69 wins, including 41 knockouts, 13 defeats and one draw.
