Headlines

Boxing-Former heavyweight Bugner, who fought Ali twice, dies at 75

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on September 1, 2025

2 min read

· Last updated: January 22, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google
Fourth sanctioned LNG tanker, Christophe De Margerie, at Russia's Arctic LNG 2 plant - Global Banking & Finance Review
The image showcases the Christophe De Margerie tanker docking at Russia's Arctic LNG 2, highlighting ongoing LNG export challenges amidst U.S. sanctions.
Global Banking & Finance Awards 2026 — Call for Entries

(Reuters) -Three-time European heavyweight champion boxer Joe Bugner, who fought Muhammad Ali in a world title bout, has died at the age of 75, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) said on

Joe Bugner, Legendary Boxer Who Faced Ali Twice, Passes Away at 75

Joe Bugner's Boxing Legacy

(Reuters) -Three-time European heavyweight champion boxer Joe Bugner, who fought Muhammad Ali in a world title bout, has died at the age of 75, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) said on Monday.

Career Highlights

Bugner, who won the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles twice, fought Ali and Joe Frazier in back-to-back fights in 1973, and faced Ali again for his WBA and WBC world championships in 1975.

Fights Against Ali and Frazier

"Joe Bugner has passed away at his care home in Brisbane, Australia," the BBBoC said in a statement. "The British Boxing Board of Control passes on its condolences to Joe's family."

Later Years and Retirement

Bugner's professional boxing career spanned 32 years and 83 bouts, of which he won 69, including 41 by knockout. He turned professional in 1967, and won the European, British and Commonwealth titles by beating Henry Cooper in 1971.

Hungary-born Bugner lost his titles six months later but won eight fights straight in 1972 before facing Ali and Frazier the next year, who both won decisions against him.

Ali again beat him by unanimous decision in their rematch for the world championship in Malaysia.

Bugner moved to Australia in the 1980s and won the Australian heavyweight title in 1995, before retiring in 1999.

(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in BengaluruEditing by Christian Radnedge)

Key Takeaways

  • Joe Bugner was a three-time European heavyweight champion.
  • He fought Muhammad Ali twice and Joe Frazier once.
  • Bugner's career spanned 32 years with 83 bouts.
  • He won 69 fights, including 41 by knockout.
  • Bugner moved to Australia and won the Australian title in 1995.

Frequently Asked Questions

What titles did Joe Bugner win during his boxing career?
Joe Bugner won the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles twice, as well as the European heavyweight championship.
How many times did Joe Bugner fight Muhammad Ali?
Joe Bugner fought Muhammad Ali twice, once in 1973 for the WBA and WBC world championships and again in a rematch in 1975.
Where did Joe Bugner pass away?
Joe Bugner passed away at his care home in Brisbane, Australia.
When did Joe Bugner retire from boxing?
Joe Bugner retired from boxing in 1999 after a professional career that spanned 32 years.
What was Joe Bugner's professional boxing record?
Joe Bugner's professional boxing career included 83 bouts, of which he won 69, with 41 victories coming by knockout.

Tags

Related Articles

More from Headlines

Explore more articles in the Headlines category