Boxer Joe Bugner who took on Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier the distance has died aged 75. He earned grudging admiration for his abilities but did not receive the adoration a British heavyweight typically commands.

Bugner's Hungarian roots and safety-first style might have contributed to the apathy. However, UK fans and media never got over his close and controversial win over national treasure Henry Cooper, when Bugner was 21.

Bugner claimed Cooper’s British, Commonwealth, and European crowns. His only attempt at the world heavyweight title in 1974 ended with a wide points defeat to Ali.

It was Bugner’s second shot at Ali, having fallen short in 1973, the year in which he also took on Frazier. Ali and Frazier shared 10 opponents and Bugner is the only fighter neither could finish.

Bugne

See Full Page