Joe Bugner, the Hungarian-born British-Australian heavyweight boxer who fought legends Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, has died at the age of 75 in a care home in Brisbane, Australia.
Bugner was a familiar face in international boxing from the late 1960s through the 1990s, leaving a lasting mark on the sport with his resilience and skill inside the ring.
Bugner began his professional career in 1967 and quickly rose through the ranks. Over his career, he captured the British, Commonwealth, and European heavyweight titles.
He faced Muhammad Ali twice, in 1973 and 1975, and went up against Joe Frazier in 1973.
While he never secured a world title, Bugner was respected for his determination and ability to compete with some of the best heavyweights of his era.
After retiring from boxing in 1999, Bugner remained active in various pursuits.
He ran a vineyard in Australia and explored acting opportunities, appearing on the reality TV show I’m A Celebrity…
Get Me Out of Here! in 2009. He also continued to be involved in the boxing community, mentoring young fighters and attending events.
Fans and fellow athletes have remembered Bugner for both his achievements and his character.
Promoter Frank Warren described him as “a great man who will be missed,” reflecting the high regard in which he was held within the sport.
Bugner’s career spanned continents and decades, and his contributions to boxing were recognized both in the UK and Australia.
Bugner’s life and career showcased his dedication to boxing, his versatility in pursuing interests beyond sport, and his ability to face some of the most formidable opponents in heavyweight history.
He is survived by family and a large circle of fans and colleagues who remember his impact on and off the ring.