Former British and European heavyweight champion Joe Bugner, who lost twice to Muhammad Ali, dies aged 75

Joe Bugne has died aged 75 (PA)

Joe Bugner, the British heavyweight who took Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier the distance, has died at the age of 75.

Hungary-born Bugner was starved of affection in the UK after sending national treasure Henry Cooper into retirement with a debated points win in 1971 to capture the British, Commonwealth and European crowns.

Twice outpointed by Muhammad Ali, the second time when challenging for the world heavyweight title, and once by Frazier, Bugner also came up short against Rob Lyle, Earnie Shavers and Frank Bruno.

Bugner, right, fighting against former heavyweight champion Joe Frazier (PA)

A career spanning 32 years ended once and for all in 1999,

See Full Page