World Boxing News is sorrowful when he reports that the former heavyweight claimant and the cult figure of Joe Bugner died at the age of 75.

A warrior born in Hungarian, who later represented both Great Britain and Australia, was one of the most strong names of the heavyweight scene of the 1970s.

Born Jozsef Kreul Bugner in 1950, his family escaped from the Soviet invasion of Hungary and settled in England. A natural athlete for 6 -foot and over 220 pounds, the Bugner for the first time stood out with disks before moving to boxing.

Turning Pro at the age of 17 in 1967 defeated his debut defeat with Paul Brown to win 18 plain victories. In 1970, many perceived Bugner as one of the most talented perspectives in Europe.

Bugner became a home name in 1971, when he controversial overtook the British icon Henry Cooper to win British titles, communities and European heavyweight. Many fans thought Cooper had done enough to win, but the result strengthened the Bugner’s place in huge leagues.

Passing the distance from Ali and Frazier

At the heavyweight heavyweight, Bugner stood opposite Muhammad Ali twice And Joe Frazier once.

There was a distance from Ali in Las Vegas in 1973 and again in Kuala Lumpur in 1975, losing both points, but showing a stubborn and resistant opponent. Ali once noticed that Bugner had tools to be a champion.

His clash with the phrase in London in 1973 meant that he was made of knocking out to rattling “Smokin ‘Joe” slow, winning praise despite the defeat of points. Ultimately, knocking down the fight.

Bugner’s CV also included victories over Jimmy Ellis, Mac Foster, Greg Page and James Tillis, while he faced outstanding opponents, such as Earnie Shavers, Ron Lyle and Frank Bruno.

Smteded I could learn about the death of Joe Bugner at the age of 75. He defeated Sir Henry Cooper, fought Muhammad Ali (twice) and Joe Frazier. A brilliant defense fighter and one of the characters from the 1980s or even the 90th Rip Blonde Bomber pic.twitter.com/rqsh5qo19u

– Gareth a Davies (@Garethadaviesdt) September 1, 2025

“Aussie Joe” and return

Retirement never got stuck for Bugner. After emigration to Australia in the 1980s, he was renamed “Aussie Joe” and began his second career.

He returned to Great Britain in 1987 to face Bruno on White Hart Lane before he finally settled permanently.

After eight years, Bugner made another run in the mid -90s, winning the title of Australian heavyweight in 1995 and Fringe WBF Belt in 1998 at the age of 48, winning James “Bonecrusher” Smith.

For good he passed for good in 1999 with a record of 69-13-1, including over 40 knockouts.

Bugner also crossed the film, appearing in European productions in the 70s, and later in Street Fighter (1994) together with Jean-Claude Van Damme.

Known for his defense style and often criticized for caution in the ring, Bugner shared his opinion in his entire career. However, his durability, longevity and the desire to face the best provided him with respect on many continents.

WBN would like to offer condolences to the Bugner family.

About the author

Phil Jay is an experienced boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. How The editor -in -chief of World Boxing News since 2010Jay has An interview with dozens of world champions was conducted AND Ring reported On the largest boxing nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] And find out more about his work in combat sports journalism.