Joe Bugner: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 04:12, 1 December 2025

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József Kreul Bugner (13 March 1950 – 1 September 2025) was a Hungarian-born British–Australian professional boxer, who competed in the heavyweight division, and actor. He held triple nationality, originally being a citizen of Hungary and becoming a naturalised citizen of both the United Kingdom and Australia.

He unsuccessfully challenged Muhammad Ali for the heavyweight championship in 1975, losing by a unanimous decision. As an actor, he was often known for his villainous roles in films starring Bud Spencer and for his role in the 1994 action film Street Fighter alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme and Raul Julia.

Born in Szőreg, a southeastern suburb of Szeged in southern Hungary, Bugner and his family fled after the 1956 Soviet invasion and settled in Britain. Standing at Script error: No such module "convert". with a prime weight of 16 stone 1lb (225 lbs or 102 kg),^[1] Bugner twice held the British and British Commonwealth heavyweight titles and was a three-time EBU European Heavyweight Champion. He was ranked among the world's top ten heavyweights of the 1970s, fighting such opponents as Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Ron Lyle, Jimmy Ellis, Manuel Ramos, Chuck Wepner, Earnie Shavers, Henry Cooper, Brian London, Mac Foster, Rudi Lubbers, Eduardo Corletti, Jürgen Blin and George Johnson.^[2] The Daily Telegraph ranked him among the top ten British heavyweight boxers of all time.^[3]

Bugner retired from boxing in 1976 but made sporadic comebacks over the next two decades with varying success. He moved to Australia in 1986, adopting the nickname "Aussie Joe", defeating fighters such as Greg Page, David Bey, Anders Eklund and James Tillis before retiring again after a TKO loss to Frank Bruno in 1987.^[4] He made a final comeback during the 1990s, winning the Australian heavyweight title in 1995 and the lightly regarded World Boxing Federation (WBF) heavyweight championship in 1998 at the age of 48 against James "Bonecrusher" Smith. He retired for the last time in 1999 with a final record of 69–13–1, including 41 wins by knockout.^[4]

Early years

Bugner was born in Szőreg, Hungary. His family fled to the United Kingdom in the late 1950s because of the Soviet Union's invasion of Hungary in 1956 after the Hungarian Revolution of that year.^[5] Initially, he was one of about 80 refugees housed in the students' hostel at Smedley's factory in Wisbech.^[6] They settled in the Huntingdonshire town of St Ives near the Fens.^[7] Bugner excelled in sports at school and was the national junior discus champion in 1964.^[8] He lived and trained in Bedford during his early boxing years;^[9] he was a regular at Bedford Boys Club under the training of Paul King, and attended Goldington Road School in Bedford.^[9]

Boxing career

1960s

Throughout his brief amateur career, Bugner competed sixteen times, winning thirteen matches. On the recommendation of his then-trainer and friend, Andy Smith, he became a professional in 1967 (at the young age of 17). Smith was unhappy with the choice of Bugner's opponents and believed that he could better control the quality of his opponents if Bugner turned professional.^[4] He had a losing debut against Paul Brown on 20 December 1967 at the London Hilton, where he suffered a TKO in the third round. Showing gritty determination after his debut, the teenage Bugner went on to win a remarkable 18 consecutive fights in under two years during 1968 and 1969 (including 13 stoppage victories) before narrowly losing to the older and vastly more experienced Dick Hall.^[10] He bounced back and rounded off the 1960s with three further stoppage victories.^[4]

1970s

In 1970 Bugner emerged internationally as an outstanding young prospect and was world-rated by the end of the year. He won nine consecutive bouts that year, including victories over well-known boxers such as Chuck Wepner, Manuel Ramos, Johnny Prescott, Brian London, Eduardo Corletti, Charley Polite and George Johnson.^[4]

Bugner was now positioned to challenge world-rated Englishman Henry Cooper, who had nearly knocked out Muhammad Ali a few years previously, for Cooper's British, British Commonwealth and European titles. However, because Bugner was still too young to fight for the British Commonwealth title (the minimum age was twenty-one years old at the time), this much-anticipated bout had to be postponed until the following year. While waiting to come of age, in 1971, he defeated Carl Gizzi and drew with Bill Drover just weeks later and weeks before facing Cooper.^[4]

Bugner earned a reputation early in his professional years as a tough, durable but often exceptionally defensive and cautious boxer; he retained that image for the rest of his career. He was often criticised for lacking natural aggression in the ring. Some observers argued that Bugner's heart was never in boxing after an early opponent, Ulric Regis, died from brain injuries soon after being outpointed by Bugner at London's Shoreditch Town Hall.^[4]

Defeat of Henry Cooper

In March 1971, Bugner met veteran Cooper and won a fifteen-round decision. Bugner won the bout by the slimmest of margins, 1/4 point, on the card of the lone official, Harry Gibbs. The British sporting public and press were deeply divided about the verdict. Many felt that Cooper deserved the decision due to his steady aggression. But Bugner fought effectively on the defence and often scored with his left jab. The Times, among others, scored the fight in favour of Bugner. The outcome of the bout was regarded as controversial for many years.^[7]

Nonetheless, Bugner was now the British, British Commonwealth and European champion, and for the first time, he was ranked among the world's top ten heavyweights. Bugner would remain in the world ratings for most of the 1970s.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Bugner retained his European title with a decision over tough German heavyweight Jürgen Blin.^[4] However, later in 1971, Bugner surprisingly lost decisions to underdogs Jack Bodell and Larry Middleton; sandwiched between these losses was a victory over Mike Boswell. The Bodell fight was particularly costly, depriving Bugner of his British, British Commonwealth and European championships. Bugner's relative inexperience, his youth and lack of an extensive amateur background were the chief causes of these defeats.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

In 1972 Bugner won eight consecutive fights, including a knockout over Jürgen Blin for the European championship. By the end of this, Bugner demonstrated much-improved ring ability and acquired enough experience that his manager began seeking matches against the world's best heavyweights.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Prime years

Bugner began 1973 by retaining his European belt with a victory over the capable Dutchman Rudie Lubbers. The 23-year-old Bugner then lost twelve-round decisions to Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.^[4] Despite being clearly defeated, Bugner fought well and won the respect of the boxing media and the public alike. After their bout, Ali declared that Bugner was capable of being world champion.^[11] Ali's trainer Angelo Dundee later echoed that sentiment.^[12] The fight with Frazier in July 1973 at Earls Court in London was deemed a classic. After being knocked down by a tremendous left hook in the tenth round, Bugner arose and staggered Frazier to close the round. Frazier took the decision, but only narrowly, and arguably only George Foreman and Muhammad Ali ever gave Frazier a harder fight. Many regard the Frazier bout as being Bugner's best career performance.

After the Ali and Frazier fights, Bugner won eight bouts in a row, his most notable victories being over ex-WBA world heavyweight champion Jimmy Ellis, and Mac Foster.^[4] By the end of 1974, Bugner was rated among the top five heavyweight contenders in the world.

Bugner challenged Muhammad Ali for the world championship in June 1975, the bout being held in Kuala Lumpur, with Ali winning a relatively one-sided fifteen-round decision. Bugner performed fairly well but maintained a strictly defensive posture throughout most of the fight, perhaps due to the blistering tropical heat, and as a result, he was widely scorned by the media and public. In an interview during an April 2008 reunion with Henry Cooper, Bugner defended his tactics in the Ali fight as having been necessary due to the extreme temperature and humidity of the outside venue.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Regains British, European and Commonwealth titles

Early in 1976, Bugner announced his retirement from boxing, stating that he no longer felt motivated to fight professionally.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Within months however he returned to the ring, expressing disgust at Richard Dunn's performance against Ali and in October, he defeated Richard Dunn with a first-round knockout to reclaim the British, British Commonwealth and European championships.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

In 1977, Bugner lost a close twelve-round decision away from home to top contender Ron Lyle. The scores were 57–53 and 56–54 for Lyle against 55–54 for Bugner. After this bout, Bugner again retired, making only sporadic comebacks to the ring over the next decades.^[4]

1980s

Bugner returned to the ring for brief periods in the 1980s and 1990s but was never as effective as he had been during his prime due to his age and inactivity.^[4]

After a three-year absence from the ring, Bugner returned in May 1980, knocking out fringe contender Gilberto Acuna, before promptly retiring again. In 1982, a ring-rusty Bugner (having had only one short fight in five years and weighing in some 25 lbs above his prime fighting weight) fought the hard-hitting top contender Earnie Shavers, but was stopped in the second round due to a badly cut eye. However, Bugner decided to continue his comeback, stopping the useful John Denis and fringe contender Danny Sutton, as well as domestic contenders Winston Allen and Eddie Neilson. In 1983, a subdued and unmotivated Bugner lost to Marvis Frazier, showing little ambition throughout the bout.^[4] He followed this with a decision over future European champion Anders Eklund and a controversial loss to future world title challenger Steffen Tangstad. Bugner appeared to have done enough to win the Tangstad fight, however, like with the Frazier and Eklund bouts, he appeared unmotivated and uninterested throughout.^[4]

Comeback in Australia

In 1986 Bugner moved to Australia, where he adopted the nickname Aussie Joe after becoming an Australian citizen.^[13] In Australia, Bugner launched a fairly successful comeback, earning good victories over world title contenders James Tillis and David Bey and an impressive victory over former WBA heavyweight champion Greg Page, gaining a world ranking in the process, after which he spoke of challenging reigning heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.^[14] However, there was great clamour for a fight with fellow Briton Frank Bruno. The bout was touted as the biggest all-British heavyweight bout since Cooper Vs Bugner in 1971. The bout took place on 24 October 1987, and Bugner suffered an eighth-round TKO loss to the much younger and fresher world title contender for the Commonwealth championship in front of a huge crowd at White Hart Lane football stadium. Bugner promptly retired again following this defeat, only his third stoppage defeat in 20 years.^[4]

1990s

Inspired by the 45-year-old George Foreman's recapture of the heavyweight title, Bugner made a final comeback in 1995, beating Vince Cervi to win the Australian heavyweight title, followed by a win over West Turner. Bugner then fought fellow Briton and world title contender Scott Welch for the WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Title.^[4] Welch proved too young and fresh for the now 46-year-old Bugner, handing him a TKO defeat in the 6th round.^[4]

Bugner continued to fight on against far younger opponents. In 1996 he defeated the respectable Young Haumona for the Pacific and Australasian Heavyweight title, retained it against Waisiki Ligaloa in 1997, added the Australian title by defeating the tough Colin Wilson and defending both titles against Bob Mirovic in 1998.^[4]

In 1998 Bugner's long-term tenacity finally gave him a world crown – the WBF version of the heavyweight crown – by defeating former WBA World Heavyweight Champion James "Bonecrusher" Smith. At the age of 48 years and 110 days, it made Bugner the oldest ever boxer to hold a world championship belt.^[15]^[16]

Bugner fought just once more. In June 1999, at the age of 49, he defeated the durable fringe contender Levi Billups, who was disqualified for low blows.^[17]

Fight record

His record for 83 professional fights is 69 wins (41 on knockouts), 13 losses and 1 draw.^[17]

In an interview in 2004, Bugner said that the hardest puncher he had ever faced was Earnie Shavers and the biggest beating he took was from Ron Lyle.^[18]

Life outside boxing

After moving to Australia, Bugner and his wife, Marlene, opened a vineyard. It failed in 1989, and he lost an estimated two million Australian dollars.^[13]

Bugner worked in the film industry. During the 1970s, he appeared in one of several PSAs themed Be Smart, Be Safe; these dealt with instructing children on how to safely cross a road or a street. In 1979, Bugner featured in an Italian film, Io sto con gli ippopotami, with Bud Spencer and Terence Hill, and he worked again with Spencer throughout the 1980s. He worked as the expert adviser on the Russell Crowe film Cinderella Man, which was a film about the heavyweight boxer James J. Braddock.^[19] Bugner was dropped partway through the project, which prompted him to call Crowe "a gutless worm and a f*****g girl".^[20]^[21]

Bugner suffered from a serious back injury he sustained from training for fights in his middle years. Financial problems prompted him to re-enter the ring at such an advanced age. A benefit was held for Bugner in 2008 by Kevin Lueshing.^[22]

In November 2009, Bugner replaced Camilla Dallerup on day 4 of the British TV show I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!. He left the show on day 16 after losing a bush tucker trial called 'Jungle Jail' to fellow celebrity Stuart Manning.^[23]

Bugner had three children: James, Joe Jr. and Amy, with his ex-wife Melody.^[24]

Bugner's autobiography, Joe Bugner – My Story, was published by New Holland Publishing (Australia) on 14 November 2013.^[25]

Bugner spent his final years with dementia and died at a care home in Brisbane, Australia, on 1 September 2025, at the age of 75.^[26]^[7]

Professional boxing record

^[16] Template:BoxingRecordSummary

No.	Result	Record	Opponent	Type	Round, time	Date	Location	Notes
83	Win	69–13–1	Levi Billups	DQ	9	13 Jun 1999	Broadbeach, Australia
82	Win	68–13–1	James Smith	TKO	1	4 Jul 1998	Carrara, Australia	Won vacant WBF (Federation) heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
81	Win	67–13–1	Bob Mirovic	SD	12	20 Apr 1998	Carrara, Australia	Retained Australian heavyweight title; Won vacant PABA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
80	Win	66–13–1	Colin Wilson	UD	12	13 Jan 1998	Broadbeach, Australia	Won Australian heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
79	Win	65–13–1	Waisiki Ligaloa	TKO	7	3 Jun 1997	Southport, Australia	Retained PABA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
78	Win	64–13–1	Young Haumona	KO	5	5 Jul 1996	Carrara, Australia	Won vacant PABA heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
77	Loss	63–13–1	Scott Welch	TKO	6	16 Mar 1996	Berlin, Germany	For vacant WBO Inter-Continental heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
76	Win	63–12–1	West Turner	KO	3	2 Feb 1996	Perth, Australia
75	Win	62–12–1	Vince Cervi	UD	12	22 Sep 1995	Carrara, Australia	Won Australian heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
74	Loss	61–12–1	Frank Bruno	TKO	8	24 Oct 1987	White Hart Lane, London
73	Win	61–11–1	Greg Page	UD	10	24 Jul 1987	Sydney, Australia
72	Win	60–11–1	David Bey	UD	10	14 Nov 1986	Sydney, Australia
71	Win	59–11–1	James Tillis	PTS	10	15 Sep 1986	Sydney, Australia
70	Loss	58–11–1	Steffen Tangstad	SD	10	18 Feb 1984	Copenhagen, Denmark
69	Win	58–10–1	Anders Eklund	MD	10	13 Jan 1984	Randers, Denmark
68	Loss	57–10–1	Marvis Frazier	UD	10	4 Jun 1983	Atlantic City, New Jersey
67	Win	57–9–1	Danny Sutton	TKO	9	20 Apr 1983	Muswell Hill, London
66	Win	56–9–1	John Dino Denis	TKO	3	16 Feb 1983	Wood Green, London
65	Win	55–9–1	Eddie Neilson	TKO	5	9 Dec 1982	Bloomsbury, London
64	Win	54–9–1	Winston Allen	KO	3	28 Oct 1982	Bloomsbury, London
63	Loss	53–9–1	Earnie Shavers	TKO	2	8 May 1982	Reunion Arena, Dallas
62	Win	53–8–1	Gilberto Acuna	TKO	6	23 Aug 1980	Inglewood, California
61	Loss	52–8–1	Ron Lyle	SD	12	20 Mar 1977	Caesars Palace, Nevada
60	Won	52–7–1	Richard Dunn	KO	1	12 Oct 1976	Wembley, London	Won European, British and Commonwealth heavyweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
59	Loss	51–7–1	Muhammad Ali	UD	15	1 Jul 1975^[27]	Merdeka Stadium, Kuala Lumpur	For, WBA, WBC and The Ring heavyweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
58	Win	51–6–1	Dante Cane	TKO	5	28 Feb 1975	Bologna, Italy	Retained European heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
57	Win	50–6–1	Santiago Alberto Lovell	TKO	2	3 Dec 1974	Royal Albert Hall, London
56	Win	49–6–1	Jimmy Ellis	PTS	10	12 Nov 1974	Wembley, London
55	Win	48–6–1	Jose Luis Garcia	KO	2	1 Oct 1974	Wembley, London
54	Win	47–6–1	Piermario Baruzzi	TKO	10	29 May 1974	Copenhagen, Denmark	Retained European heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
53	Win	46–6–1	Pat Duncan	PTS	10	12 Mar 1974	Wembley, London
52	Win	45–6–1	Mac Foster	PTS	10	13 Nov 1973	Wembley, London
51	Win	44–6–1	Giuseppe Ros	PTS	15	2 Oct 1973	Royal Albert Hall, London	Retained European heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
50	Loss	43–6–1	Joe Frazier	PTS	12	2 Jul 1973	Earls Court, London
49	Loss	43–5–1	Muhammad Ali	UD	12	14 Feb 1973	Las Vegas, Nevada
48	Win	43–4–1	Rudie Lubbers	UD	15	16 Jan 1973	Royal Albert Hall, London	Retained European heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
47	Win	42–4–1	Dante Cane	TKO	6	28 Nov 1972	Ice Rink, Nottingham
46	Win	41–4–1	Tony Doyle	TKO	8	14 Nov 1972	Wembley, London
45	Win	40–4–1	Jürgen Blin	KO	8	10 Oct 1972	Royal Albert Hall, London	Won European heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
44	Win	39–4–1	Paul Nielsen	TKO	6	19 Jul 1972	Croke Park, Dublin
43	Win	38–4–1	Doug Kirk	TKO	5	6 Jun 1972	Royal Albert Hall, London
42	Win	37–4–1	Marc Hans	TKO	3	9 May 1972	Wembley, London
41	Win	36–4–1	Leroy Caldwell	DQ	5	25 Apr 1972	Royal Albert Hall, London
40	Win	35–4–1	Brian O'Melia	TKO	2	28 Mar 1972	Wembley, London
39	Loss	34–4–1	Larry Middleton	PTS	10	24 Nov 1971	Ice Rink, Nottingham
38	Win	34–3–1	Mike Boswell	UD	10	17 Nov 1971	Houston, Texas
37	Loss	33–3–1	Jack Bodell	PTS	15	27 Sep 1971	Wembley, London	Lost European, British and Commonwealth heavyweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
36	Win	33–2–1	Jürgen Blin	PTS	15	11 May 1971	Wembley, London	Retained European heavyweight titleScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
35	Win	32–2–1	Henry Cooper	PTS	15	16 Mar 1971	Wembley, London	Won European, British and Commonwealth heavyweight titlesScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
34	Draw	31–2–1	Bill Drover	PTS	10	10 Feb 1971	Bethnal Green, London
33	Win	31–2	Carl Gizzi	PTS	10	19 Jan 1971	Royal Albert Hall, London
32	Win	30–2	Miguel Angel Paez	TKO	3	8 Dec 1970	Royal Albert Hall, London
31	Win	29–2	George Johnson	PTS	10	3 Nov 1970	Royal Albert Hall, London
30	Win	28–2	Hector Eduardo Corletti	PTS	10	6 Oct 1970	Royal Albert Hall, London
29	Win	27–2	Chuck Wepner	TKO	3	8 Sep 1970	Wembley, London
28	Win	26–2	Brian London	TKO	5	12 May 1970	Wembley, London
27	Win	25–2	Ray Patterson	PTS	8	21 Apr 1970	Royal Albert Hall, London
26	Win	24–2	Manuel Ramos	PTS	4	23 Mar 1970	Wembley, London
25	Win	23–2	Roberto Davila	TKO	4	10 Feb 1970	Picadilly, London
24	Win	22–2	Johnny Prescott	PTS	8	20 Jan 1970	Royal Albert Hall, London
23	Win	21–2	Charley Polite	TKO	3	9 Dec 1969	Royal Albert Hall, London
22	Win	20–2	Eddie Talhami	TKO	4	11 Nov 1969	Royal Albert Hall, London
21	Win	19–2	Phil Smith	TKO	2	14 Oct 1969	Royal Albert Hall, London
20	Loss	18–2	Dick Hall	PTS	8	4 Aug 1969	Hotel Piccadilly, Manchester
19	Win	18–1	Moses Harrell	PTS	8	9 Jun 1969	Belle Vue, Manchester
18	Win	17–1	Tony Ventura	PTS	8	20 May 1969	Royal Albert Hall, London
17	Win	16–1	Jack O'Halloran	PTS	8	15 Apr 1969	Royal Albert Hall, London
16	Win	15–1	Lion Ven	TKO	5	25 Mar 1969	Wembley, London
15	Win	14–1	Ulric Regis	PTS	8	11 Mar 1969	Shoreditch, London
14	Win	13–1	Terry Feeley	TKO	1	25 Feb 1969	Royal Albert Hall, London
13	Win	12–1	Rudolph Vaughan	TKO	2	21 Jan 1969	Kensington, London
12	Win	11–1	George Dulaire	TKO	4	19 Dec 1968	Bethnal Green, London
11	Win	10–1	Gene Innocent	TKO	3	12 Nov 1968	Wembley, London
10	Win	9–1	Paul Brown	TKO	3	4 Nov 1968	Connaught Rooms, London
9	Win	8–1	Vic Moore	TKO	1	8 Oct 1968	Royal Albert Hall, London
8	Win	7–1	Obe Hepburn	TKO	1	18 Aug 1968	Wembley, London
7	Win	6–1	Paul Brown	TKO	4	28 May 1968	Royal Albert Hall, London
6	Win	5–1	Billy Wynter	PTS	6	21 May 1968	Bethnal Green, London
5	Win	4–1	Mick Oliver	RTD	3	6 May 1968	Mayfair, London
4	Win	3–1	Bert Johnson	KO	3	26 Mar 1968	Bethnal Green, London
3	Win	2–1	Jim McIlvaney	TKO	2	27 Feb 1968	Bethnal Green, London
2	Win	1–1	Paul Cassidy	TKO	2	30 Jan 1968	Bethnal Green, London
1	Loss	0–1	Paul Brown	KO	3	20 Dec 1967	Mayfair, London

Exhibition boxing record

Template:BoxingRecordSummary

No.	Result	Record	Opponent	Type	Round, time	Date	Location	Notes
2	—	0–0 (2)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Template:Flagicon Muhammad Ali	—	?	Feb 8, 1979	Template:Flagicon Western Springs, Auckland, New ZealandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Non-scored boutScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
1	—	0–0 (1)Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Template:Flagicon Muhammad Ali	—	?	Dec 3, 1974	Template:Flagicon Royal Albert Hall, London, EnglandScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".	Non-scored boutScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

References

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External links

Template:Boxrec
Career Record Extended
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Joe Bugner: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 04:12, 1 December 2025

Contents

Early years

Boxing career

1960s

1970s

Defeat of Henry Cooper

Prime years

Regains British, European and Commonwealth titles

1980s

Comeback in Australia

1990s

Fight record

Life outside boxing

Professional boxing record

Exhibition boxing record

References

External links

Navigation menu

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Short description|Hungarian-born British-Australian boxer and actor}}
+{{Short description|British-Australian boxer and actor (1950–2025)}}
-{{BLP sources|date=November 2023}}
 {{Use Australian English|date=December 2013}}
 {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2013}}
 {{Infobox boxer
 | image = Correio da Manhã AN 243.jpg
-| caption = Bugner (left) during a boxing match
+| landscape = yes
+| caption = Bugner ({{abbr|l|left}}) against [[Jack Bodell]], 1971
 | name = Joe Bugner
-| nationality =Hungarian<br />British<br />Australian
+| nationality = {{hlist|Hungarian|British|Australian}}
 | realname = József Kreul Bugner
 | nickname = Aussie Joe
 | weight = [[Heavyweight]]
-| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1950|3|13|df=y}}
+| birth_date = {{birth date|1950|3|13|df=y}}
-| birth_place = [[Szőreg]], [[Hungarian People's Republic|Hungary]]
+| birth_place = [[Szőreg]], Hungary
+| death_date = {{death date and age|2025|9|1|1950|3|13|df=y}}
+| death_place = [[Brisbane]], Queensland, Australia
 | reach = 82 in
-| height = {{convert|6|ft|4|in|m|abbr=on}}
+| height = {{cvt|6|ft|4|in|m}}
 | style = Orthodox
 | total = 83
@@ Line 24: / Line 25: @@
 }}
-'''József Kreul Bugner''' (born 13 March 1950) is a [[Hungarians|Hungarian]] born [[United Kingdom|British]]–[[Australians|Australian]] former [[professional boxer]] who competed in the [[heavyweight]] division and actor. He holds [[Multiple citizenship|triple nationality]], originally being a [[citizen]] of [[Hungary]] and a [[naturalised citizen]] of both [[Australia]] and the [[United Kingdom]]. He unsuccessfully challenged [[Muhammad Ali]] for the [[World heavyweight boxing championship records and statistics|heavyweight championship in 1975]], losing by a unanimous decision. As an actor, he is often known for his role in the 1994 action film [[Street Fighter (1994 film)|''Street Fighter'']] alongside [[Jean-Claude Van Damme]] and [[Raul Julia]].
+'''József Kreul Bugner''' (13 March 1950 – 1 September 2025) was a Hungarian-born British–Australian [[professional boxer]], who competed in the [[heavyweight]] division, and actor. He held [[Multiple citizenship|triple nationality]], originally being a citizen of [[Hungarian People's Republic|Hungary]] and becoming a [[naturalised citizen]] of both the United Kingdom and Australia.
-Born in [[Szőreg]], a southeastern suburb of [[Szeged]] in southern Hungary, Bugner and his family fled after the [[Hungarian Revolution of 1956|1956 Soviet invasion]] and settled in Britain. Standing at {{convert|6|ft|4|in|m|abbr=on}} with a prime weight of {{convert|225|lb|kg}},<ref>{{cite web|author=William Oscar Johnson|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1066001/index.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100403063850/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1066001/index.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 April 2010 |title=Joe Bugner is Down Under looking for a title shot - 05.25.87 - SI Vault |publisher=Sportsillustrated.cnn.com |date=25 May 1987 |access-date=25 October 2012}}</ref> Bugner twice held the [[List of British heavyweight boxing champions|British]] and [[British Commonwealth]] heavyweight titles and was a three-time [[European Boxing Union|European]] heavyweight champion.<ref>{{cite web|author=Roger Bamber|url=https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-joe-bugner-the-hungarian-born-british-heavyweight-champion-boxer-kissing-30475137.html|title=Joe Bugner the Hungarian born British heavyweight champion boxer, kissing his wife|publisher=Alarmy |date=25 May 1987 |access-date=27 June 2023}}</ref> He was ranked among the world's top ten heavyweights of the 1970s, fighting such opponents as [[Muhammad Ali]], [[Joe Frazier]], [[Ron Lyle]], [[Jimmy Ellis (boxer)|Jimmy Ellis]], [[Manuel Ramos (boxer)|Manuel Ramos]], [[Chuck Wepner]], [[Earnie Shavers]], [[Henry Cooper (boxer)|Henry Cooper]], [[Brian London]], [[Mac Foster]], [[Rudie Lubbers]], [[Eduardo Corletti]], [[Jurgen Blin]] and [[George Johnson (boxer)|George Johnson]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Mike Goodpaster|url=https://thegruelingtruth.com/boxing/ranking-the-top-10-heavyweight-of-the-1970s/|title=Top 10 Heavyweight of the 1970s|publisher=The Grueling Truth|date=14 November 2022|access-date=27 June 2023}}</ref> [[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]] also ranked him among the top ten British heavyweight boxers of all time.<ref>{{cite web|author=Gareth A. Davies|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/boxing/2017/04/24/top-10-british-heavyweight-boxers-time/|title=Top 10 British Heavyweight Boxers of All Time|publisher=The Telegraph|date=24 April 2017 |access-date=27 June 2023}}</ref>
+He unsuccessfully challenged [[Muhammad Ali]] for the [[World heavyweight boxing championship records and statistics|heavyweight championship]] in 1975, losing by a [[unanimous decision]]. As an actor, he was often known for his villainous roles in films starring [[Bud Spencer]] and for his role in the 1994 action film [[Street Fighter (1994 film)|''Street Fighter'']] alongside [[Jean-Claude Van Damme]] and [[Raul Julia]].
-Bugner retired from boxing in 1976 but made sporadic comebacks over the next two decades with varying success. He moved to Australia in 1986, adopting the nickname "Aussie Joe," beating fighters such as [[Greg Page (boxer)|Greg Page]], [[David Bey]], [[Anders Eklund (boxer)|Anders Eklund]] and [[James Tillis]] before retiring again after a [[Technical knockout|TKO]] loss to [[Frank Bruno]] in 1987.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}} He made a final comeback during the 1990s, winning the Australian heavyweight title in 1995 and the lightly regarded World Boxing Federation (WBF) heavyweight championship in 1998 at the age of 48 against [[James "Bonecrusher" Smith]]. He retired for the last time in 1999 with a final record of 69–13–1, including 43 wins by knockout.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}
+Born in [[Szőreg]], a southeastern suburb of [[Szeged]] in southern Hungary, Bugner and his family fled after the [[Hungarian Revolution of 1956|1956 Soviet invasion]] and settled in Britain. Standing at {{convert|6|ft|4|in|m|abbr=on}} with a prime weight of 16 stone 1lb (225 lbs or 102&nbsp;kg),<ref>{{cite web|author=William Oscar Johnson|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1066001/index.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100403063850/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1066001/index.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 April 2010 |title=Joe Bugner is Down Under looking for a title shot – 05.25.87 – SI Vault |publisher=Sportsillustrated.cnn.com |date=25 May 1987 |access-date=25 October 2012}}</ref> Bugner twice held the [[List of British heavyweight boxing champions|British]] and [[List of Commonwealth Boxing Council champions|British Commonwealth]] heavyweight titles and was a three-time [[List of European Boxing Union champions|EBU European Heavyweight Champion]]. He was ranked among the world's top ten heavyweights of the 1970s, fighting such opponents as Muhammad Ali, [[Joe Frazier]], [[Ron Lyle]], [[Jimmy Ellis (boxer)|Jimmy Ellis]], [[Manuel Ramos (boxer)|Manuel Ramos]], [[Chuck Wepner]], [[Earnie Shavers]], [[Henry Cooper]], [[Brian London]], [[Mac Foster]], [[Rudi Lubbers]], [[Eduardo Corletti]], [[Jürgen Blin]] and [[George Johnson (boxer)|George Johnson]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Mike Goodpaster|url=https://thegruelingtruth.com/boxing/ranking-the-top-10-heavyweight-of-the-1970s/|title=Top 10 Heavyweight of the 1970s|work=The Grueling Truth|date=14 November 2022|access-date=27 June 2023}}</ref> ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' ranked him among the top ten British heavyweight boxers of all time.<ref>{{cite web|author=Gareth A. Davies|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/boxing/2017/04/24/top-10-british-heavyweight-boxers-time/|title=Top 10 Heavyweight Boxers of All Time|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=24 April 2017 |access-date=27 June 2023}}</ref>
+Bugner retired from boxing in 1976 but made sporadic comebacks over the next two decades with varying success. He moved to Australia in 1986, adopting the nickname "Aussie Joe", defeating fighters such as [[Greg Page (boxer)|Greg Page]], [[David Bey]], [[Anders Eklund (boxer)|Anders Eklund]] and [[James Tillis]] before retiring again after a [[TKO]] loss to [[Frank Bruno]] in 1987.<ref name="ringside" /> He made a final comeback during the 1990s, winning the Australian heavyweight title in 1995 and the lightly regarded [[World Boxing Federation]] (WBF) heavyweight championship in 1998 at the age of 48 against [[James "Bonecrusher" Smith]]. He retired for the last time in 1999 with a final record of 69–13–1, including 41 wins by knockout.<ref name="ringside" />
 ==Early years==
-Bugner and his family fled to the [[United Kingdom]] in the late 1950s because of the [[Soviet Union|Soviet Union's]] invasion of Hungary in 1956 after the [[Hungarian Uprising of 1956|Hungarian Uprising]] of that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxrec.com/media/index.php/Joe_Bugner |title=Joe Bugner - Boxrec Boxing Encyclopaedia |publisher=Boxrec.com |date=28 March 2012 |access-date=25 October 2012}}</ref> Initially, he was one of about 80 refugees housed in the students' Hostel at Smedley's factory in [[Wisbech]].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Smedley|first=Michael|title=Smedley's in Wisbech|journal=Annual Report|volume=52|pages=7–11|year=1991|publisher=Wisbech Society}}</ref> They settled in the [[Huntingdonshire]]<!-- Do not change to Cambridgeshire; St Ives was part of Huntingdonshire at the time --> town of [[St Ives, Cambridgeshire|St Ives]] near the [[The Fens|Fens]]. So, as local custom dictated, he was known as a [[Fen Tiger (disambiguation)|Fen Tiger]].{{cn|date=March 2025}} Bugner excelled in sports at school and was the national junior discus champion in 1964.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ruff|first1=David|title=Joe Bugner Keeps on Coming Back - Interview|url=http://www.doghouseboxing.com/DHB/Ruff092110.htm|website=doghouseboxing.com|access-date=5 July 2014}}</ref> He lived and trained in [[Bedford]] during his early boxing years; he was a regular at Bedford Boys Club under the training of Paul King<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_19960714/ai_n14057582 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924095146/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_19960714/ai_n14057582 | url-status=dead | archive-date=2015-09-24 }}</ref> and attended Goldington Road School in Bedford.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}
+Bugner was born in [[Szőreg]], [[Hungarian People's Republic|Hungary]]. His family fled to the United Kingdom in the late 1950s because of the [[Soviet Union]]'s invasion of Hungary in 1956 after the [[Hungarian Revolution of 1956|Hungarian Revolution]] of that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boxrec.com/media/index.php/Joe_Bugner |title=Joe Bugner - Boxrec Boxing Encyclopaedia |publisher=Boxrec.com |date=28 March 2012 |access-date=25 October 2012}}</ref> Initially, he was one of about 80 refugees housed in the students' hostel at Smedley's factory in [[Wisbech]].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Smedley|first=Michael|title=Smedley's in Wisbech|journal=Annual Report|volume=52|pages=7–11|year=1991|publisher=Wisbech Society}}</ref> They settled in the [[Huntingdonshire]]<!-- Do not change to Cambridgeshire; St Ives was part of Huntingdonshire at the time --> town of [[St Ives, Cambridgeshire|St Ives]] near the [[The Fens|Fens]].<ref name="gdnobit" /> Bugner excelled in sports at school and was the national junior [[discus]] champion in 1964.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ruff|first1=David|title=Joe Bugner Keeps on Coming Back - Interview|url=http://www.doghouseboxing.com/DHB/Ruff092110.htm|website=doghouseboxing.com|access-date=5 July 2014}}</ref> He lived and trained in [[Bedford]] during his early boxing years;<ref name="flickr"/> he was a regular at Bedford Boys Club under the training of Paul King, and attended Goldington Road School in Bedford.<ref name="flickr">{{cite web|url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/46069415@N00/8441842699/ |title= Joe Bugner, former British heavyweight boxing champion |author= Dave Roberts |work= flickr.com |date= February 3, 2013 }}</ref>
 ==Boxing career==
 ===1960s===
-Throughout his brief amateur career, Bugner competed sixteen times, winning thirteen matches. On the recommendation of his then-trainer and buddy, Andy Smith, he became a professional in 1967 (at the very young age of 17). Smith was unhappy with the choice of Bugner's opponents and believed that he could better control the quality of his opponents if Bugner turned professional.<ref>[http://ringsidereport.com/rsr/news.php?readmore=1586] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011213100/http://ringsidereport.com/rsr/news.php?readmore=1586|date=11 October 2007}}</ref> He had a losing debut against Paul Brown on 20 December 1967 at the [[London Hilton]], where he suffered a TKO in the third round. Showing gritty determination after his debut, the teenage Bugner went on to win a remarkable 18 consecutive fights in under two years during 1968 and 1969 (including 13 stoppage victories) before narrowly losing to the older and vastly more experienced Dick Hall.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=000924 |title=Joe Bugner : Boxer |publisher=Boxrec.com |access-date=25 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021117154205/http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=000924 |archive-date=17 November 2002 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> He bounced back and rounded off the 1960s with three further stoppage victories.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}
+Throughout his brief amateur career, Bugner competed sixteen times, winning thirteen matches. On the recommendation of his then-trainer and friend, Andy Smith, he became a professional in 1967 (at the young age of 17). Smith was unhappy with the choice of Bugner's opponents and believed that he could better control the quality of his opponents if Bugner turned professional.<ref name="ringside">{{Cite web|url= http://ringsidereport.com/rsr/news.php?readmore=1586 |title= Gypsy Joe Bugner, the Wandering Heavyweight |work= ringsidereport.com |author= Peter Stitt |date= July 12, 2007 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071011213100/http://ringsidereport.com/rsr/news.php?readmore=1586 |archive-date= 11 October 2007}}</ref> He had a losing debut against Paul Brown on 20 December 1967 at the [[London Hilton]], where he suffered a TKO in the third round. Showing gritty determination after his debut, the teenage Bugner went on to win a remarkable 18 consecutive fights in under two years during 1968 and 1969 (including 13 stoppage victories) before narrowly losing to the older and vastly more experienced Dick Hall.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=000924 |title=Joe Bugner : Boxer |work=Boxrec.com |access-date=25 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021117154205/http://www.boxrec.com/boxer_display.php?boxer_id=000924 |archive-date=17 November 2002 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> He bounced back and rounded off the 1960s with three further stoppage victories.<ref name="ringside"/>
 ===1970s===
-In 1970 Bugner emerged internationally as an outstanding young prospect and was world-rated by the end of the year. He won nine consecutive bouts that year, including victories over well-known boxers such as [[Chuck Wepner]], [[Manuel Ramos (boxer)|Manuel Ramos]], [[Johnny Prescott]], [[Brian London]], [[Eduardo Corletti]], Charley Polite, and [[George Johnson (boxer)|George Johnson]].{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}
+In 1970 Bugner emerged internationally as an outstanding young prospect and was world-rated by the end of the year. He won nine consecutive bouts that year, including victories over well-known boxers such as [[Chuck Wepner]], [[Manuel Ramos (boxer)|Manuel Ramos]], [[Johnny Prescott]], [[Brian London]], [[Eduardo Corletti]], Charley Polite and [[George Johnson (boxer)|George Johnson]].<ref name="ringside"/>
-Bugner was now positioned to challenge world-rated Englishman [[Henry Cooper (boxer)|Henry Cooper]], who had nearly knocked out [[Muhammad Ali]] a few years previously, for Cooper's [[United Kingdom|British]], [[Commonwealth of Nations|British Commonwealth]] and [[Europe]]an titles. However, because Bugner was still too young to fight for the British Commonwealth title (the minimum age was twenty-one years old at the time), this much-anticipated bout had to be postponed until the following year. While waiting to come of age, in 1971, he defeated Carl Gizzi and drew with Bill Drover just weeks later and weeks before facing Cooper.
+Bugner was now positioned to challenge world-rated Englishman [[Henry Cooper (boxer)|Henry Cooper]], who had nearly knocked out [[Muhammad Ali]] a few years previously, for Cooper's British, [[Commonwealth of Nations|British Commonwealth]] and European titles. However, because Bugner was still too young to fight for the British Commonwealth title (the minimum age was twenty-one years old at the time), this much-anticipated bout had to be postponed until the following year. While waiting to come of age, in 1971, he defeated Carl Gizzi and drew with Bill Drover just weeks later and weeks before facing Cooper.<ref name="ringside"/>
-Bugner earned a reputation early in his professional years as a tough, durable but often exceptionally defensive and cautious boxer; he retained that image for the rest of his career. He was often criticised for lacking natural aggression in the ring. Some observers argued that Bugner's heart was never in boxing after an early opponent, Ulric Regis, died from [[Traumatic brain injury|brain injuries]] soon after being outpointed by Bugner at [[London]]'s [[Shoreditch Town Hall]]. Many{{who|date=January 2017}} said that Bugner never punched his full weight after that.{{Opinion|date=November 2023}}
+Bugner earned a reputation early in his professional years as a tough, durable but often exceptionally defensive and cautious boxer; he retained that image for the rest of his career. He was often criticised for lacking natural aggression in the ring. Some observers argued that Bugner's heart was never in boxing after an early opponent, Ulric Regis, died from [[Traumatic brain injury|brain injuries]] soon after being outpointed by Bugner at London's [[Shoreditch Town Hall]].<ref name="ringside"/>
 ====Defeat of Henry Cooper====
-In March 1971, Bugner met veteran Cooper and won a fifteen-round decision. Bugner won the bout by the slimmest of margins, 1/4 point, on the card of the lone official, [[Harry Gibbs (referee)|Harry Gibbs]]. The British sporting public and press were deeply divided about the verdict. Many felt that Cooper deserved the decision due to his steady aggression. But Bugner fought effectively on the defence and often scored with his left jab, and in the opinion of many{{Who|date=November 2023}}, was the rightful winner of the bout. ''[[The Times]]'', among others, scored the fight in favour of Bugner. Still, the outcome of the bout is regarded as one of the most controversial in British boxing history.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}
+In March 1971, Bugner met veteran Cooper and won a fifteen-round decision. Bugner won the bout by the slimmest of margins, 1/4 point, on the card of the lone official, [[Harry Gibbs (referee)|Harry Gibbs]]. The British sporting public and press were deeply divided about the verdict. Many felt that Cooper deserved the decision due to his steady aggression. But Bugner fought effectively on the defence and often scored with his left jab. ''[[The Times]]'', among others, scored the fight in favour of Bugner. The outcome of the bout was regarded as controversial for many years.<ref name="gdnobit" />
-Nonetheless, Bugner was now the [[List of British heavyweight boxing champions|British]], British Commonwealth, and European champion, and for the first time, he was ranked among the world's top ten heavyweights. Bugner would remain in the world ratings for most of the 1970s.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}
+Nonetheless, Bugner was now the [[List of British heavyweight boxing champions|British]], British Commonwealth and European champion, and for the first time, he was ranked among the world's top ten heavyweights. Bugner would remain in the world ratings for most of the 1970s.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}
-Bugner retained his European title with a decision over tough German heavyweight [[Jürgen Blin]].{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}} However, later in 1971, Bugner surprisingly lost decisions to underdogs [[Jack Bodell]] and Larry Middleton; sandwiched between these losses was a victory over Mike Boswell. The Bodell fight was particularly costly, depriving Bugner of his British, British Commonwealth and European championships. Bugner's relative inexperience, his youth and lack of an extensive amateur background were the chief causes of these defeats.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}
+Bugner retained his European title with a decision over tough German heavyweight [[Jürgen Blin]].<ref name="ringside"/> However, later in 1971, Bugner surprisingly lost decisions to underdogs [[Jack Bodell]] and Larry Middleton; sandwiched between these losses was a victory over Mike Boswell. The Bodell fight was particularly costly, depriving Bugner of his British, British Commonwealth and European championships. Bugner's relative inexperience, his youth and lack of an extensive amateur background were the chief causes of these defeats.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}
-In 1972 Bugner won eight consecutive fights, including a knockout over [[Jürgen Blin]] for the European championship. By the end of this, Bugner demonstrated much-improved ring ability and acquired enough experience that his manager began seeking matches against the world's best heavyweights.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}
+In 1972 Bugner won eight consecutive fights, including a knockout over Jürgen Blin for the European championship. By the end of this, Bugner demonstrated much-improved ring ability and acquired enough experience that his manager began seeking matches against the world's best heavyweights.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}
 ====Prime years====
-Bugner began 1973 by retaining his European belt with a victory over the capable Dutchman [[Rudie Lubbers]]. The 23-year-old Bugner then lost twelve-round decisions to [[Muhammad Ali]] and [[Joe Frazier]]. Despite being clearly defeated, Bugner fought well and won the respect of the boxing media and the public alike. After their bout, Ali declared that Bugner was capable of being world champion.<ref>{{cite magazine | date=26 February 1973 | url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1087092/index.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025165756/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1087092/index.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=25 October 2012 | title=Ali In A World Of His Own | magazine=Sports Illustrated | access-date=24 November 2009 }}</ref> Ali's trainer [[Angelo Dundee]] later echoed that sentiment.<ref>{{cite magazine | date=1 March 1976 | url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1090798/index.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025165712/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1090798/index.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=25 October 2012 | title=The Next Stop Is Costa Rica | magazine=Sports Illustrated | access-date=24 November 2009 }}</ref> The fight with Frazier in July 1973 at [[Earls Court]] in London was deemed a classic. After being knocked down by a tremendous left hook in the tenth round, Bugner arose and staggered Frazier to close the round. Frazier took the decision, but only narrowly, and arguably only [[George Foreman]] and Muhammad Ali ever gave Frazier a harder fight. Many regard the Frazier bout as being Bugner's best career performance.
+Bugner began 1973 by retaining his European belt with a victory over the capable Dutchman [[Rudie Lubbers]]. The 23-year-old Bugner then lost twelve-round decisions to [[Muhammad Ali]] and [[Joe Frazier]].<ref name="ringside"/> Despite being clearly defeated, Bugner fought well and won the respect of the boxing media and the public alike. After their bout, Ali declared that Bugner was capable of being world champion.<ref>{{cite magazine | date=26 February 1973 | url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1087092/index.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025165756/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1087092/index.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=25 October 2012 | title=Ali In A World Of His Own | magazine=Sports Illustrated | access-date=24 November 2009 }}</ref> Ali's trainer [[Angelo Dundee]] later echoed that sentiment.<ref>{{cite magazine | date=1 March 1976 | url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1090798/index.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025165712/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1090798/index.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=25 October 2012 | title=The Next Stop Is Costa Rica | magazine=Sports Illustrated | access-date=24 November 2009 }}</ref> The fight with Frazier in July 1973 at [[Earls Court]] in London was deemed a classic. After being knocked down by a tremendous left hook in the tenth round, Bugner arose and staggered Frazier to close the round. Frazier took the decision, but only narrowly, and arguably only [[George Foreman]] and Muhammad Ali ever gave Frazier a harder fight. Many regard the Frazier bout as being Bugner's best career performance.
-After the Ali and Frazier fights, Bugner won eight bouts in a row, his most notable victories being over ex-WBA world heavyweight champion [[Jimmy Ellis (boxer)|Jimmy Ellis]], and [[Mac Foster]]. By the end of 1974, Bugner was rated among the top five heavyweight contenders in the world.
+After the Ali and Frazier fights, Bugner won eight bouts in a row, his most notable victories being over ex-WBA world heavyweight champion [[Jimmy Ellis (boxer)|Jimmy Ellis]], and [[Mac Foster]].<ref name="ringside"/> By the end of 1974, Bugner was rated among the top five heavyweight contenders in the world.
 Bugner challenged Muhammad Ali for the world championship in June 1975, the bout being held in [[Kuala Lumpur]], with Ali winning a relatively one-sided fifteen-round decision. Bugner performed fairly well but maintained a strictly defensive posture throughout most of the fight, perhaps due to the blistering tropical heat, and as a result, he was widely scorned by the media and public. In an interview during an April 2008 reunion with Henry Cooper, Bugner defended his tactics in the Ali fight as having been necessary due to the extreme temperature and humidity of the outside venue.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}
-====Regains British, European & Commonwealth titles====
+====Regains British, European and Commonwealth titles====
+Early in 1976, Bugner announced his retirement from boxing, stating that he no longer felt motivated to fight professionally.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}} Within months however he returned to the ring, expressing disgust at Richard Dunn's performance against Ali and in October, he defeated [[Richard Dunn (boxer)|Richard Dunn]] with a first-round knockout to reclaim the British, British Commonwealth and European championships.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}
-Early in 1976, Bugner announced his retirement from boxing, stating that he no longer felt motivated to fight professionally.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}} Within months however he returned to the ring, expressing disgust at Richard Dunn's performance against Ali and in October, he blasted out [[Richard Dunn (boxer)|Richard Dunn]] in the first round to reclaim the British, British Commonwealth and European championships. Onlookers state that they had never seen Bugner angry before and that while Dunn's supporters had waged a quite unsportsmanlike campaign against Bugner, if he had fought like that in his earlier career, he could have gone further.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}
-In 1977, Bugner lost a close twelve-round decision away from home to top contender [[Ron Lyle]]. The scores were 57–53 and 56–54 for Lyle against 55–54 for Bugner. After this bout, Bugner again retired, making only sporadic comebacks to the ring over the next decades.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}
+In 1977, Bugner lost a close twelve-round decision away from home to top contender [[Ron Lyle]]. The scores were 57–53 and 56–54 for Lyle against 55–54 for Bugner. After this bout, Bugner again retired, making only sporadic comebacks to the ring over the next decades.<ref name="ringside"/>
 ===1980s===
-Bugner returned to the ring for brief periods in the 1980s and 1990s but was never as effective as he had been during his prime due to his age and inactivity.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}
+Bugner returned to the ring for brief periods in the 1980s and 1990s but was never as effective as he had been during his prime due to his age and inactivity.<ref name="ringside"/>
-After a three-year absence from the ring, Bugner returned in May 1980, knocking out fringe contender Gilberto Acuna, before promptly retiring again. In 1982, a ring-rusty Bugner (having had only one short fight in five years and weighing in some 25&nbsp;lbs above his prime fighting weight) fought the hard-hitting top contender [[Earnie Shavers]], but was stopped in the second round due to a badly cut eye. However, Bugner decided to continue his comeback, stopping the useful John Denis and fringe contender Danny Sutton, as well as domestic contenders Winston Allen and Eddie Neilson. In 1983, a subdued and unmotivated Bugner lost to [[Marvis Frazier]], showing little ambition throughout the bout. He followed this with a decision over future European champion [[Anders Eklund (boxer)|Anders Eklund]] and a controversial loss to future world title challenger [[Steffen Tangstad]]. Bugner appeared to have done enough to win the Tangstad fight, however, like with the Frazier and Eklund bouts, he appeared unmotivated and uninterested throughout.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}
+After a three-year absence from the ring, Bugner returned in May 1980, knocking out fringe contender Gilberto Acuna, before promptly retiring again. In 1982, a ring-rusty Bugner (having had only one short fight in five years and weighing in some 25&nbsp;lbs above his prime fighting weight) fought the hard-hitting top contender [[Earnie Shavers]], but was stopped in the second round due to a badly cut eye. However, Bugner decided to continue his comeback, stopping the useful John Denis and fringe contender Danny Sutton, as well as domestic contenders Winston Allen and Eddie Neilson. In 1983, a subdued and unmotivated Bugner lost to [[Marvis Frazier]], showing little ambition throughout the bout.<ref name="ringside"/> He followed this with a decision over future European champion [[Anders Eklund (boxer)|Anders Eklund]] and a controversial loss to future world title challenger [[Steffen Tangstad]]. Bugner appeared to have done enough to win the Tangstad fight, however, like with the Frazier and Eklund bouts, he appeared unmotivated and uninterested throughout.<ref name="ringside"/>
 ====Comeback in Australia====
-In 1986 Bugner moved to [[Australia]], where he adopted the nickname ''Aussie Joe'' after becoming an Australian citizen.<ref name="b-m">{{cite web|url=http://www.boxing-monthly.co.uk/content/9908/two.htm |title=Article Two – August 1999 |work=Boxing Monthly |access-date=25 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620182922/http://www.boxing-monthly.co.uk/content/9908/two.htm |archive-date=20 June 2012 }}</ref> In Australia, Bugner launched a fairly successful comeback, earning good victories over world title contenders [[James Tillis]] and [[David Bey]] and an impressive victory over former [[World Boxing Association|WBA]] heavyweight champion [[Greg Page (boxer)|Greg Page]], gaining a world ranking in the process, after which he spoke of challenging reigning heavyweight champion [[Mike Tyson]].<ref>{{cite magazine | date=3 August 1987 | url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1066234/1/index.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025173256/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1066234/1/index.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=25 October 2012 | title=Scorecard | magazine=Sports Illustrated | access-date=26 November 2009 }}</ref> However, there was great clamour for a fight with fellow Briton [[Frank Bruno]]. The bout was touted as the biggest all-British heavyweight bout since Cooper Vs Bugner in 1971. The bout took place on 24 October 1987, and Bugner suffered an eighth-round TKO loss to the much younger and fresher world title contender for the Commonwealth championship in front of a huge crowd at [[White Hart Lane]] football stadium. Bugner promptly retired again following this defeat, only his third stoppage defeat in 20 years.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}
+In 1986 Bugner moved to Australia, where he adopted the nickname ''Aussie Joe'' after becoming an Australian citizen.<ref name="b-m">{{cite web|url=http://www.boxing-monthly.co.uk/content/9908/two.htm |title=Article Two – August 1999 |work=Boxing Monthly |access-date=25 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620182922/http://www.boxing-monthly.co.uk/content/9908/two.htm |archive-date=20 June 2012 }}</ref> In Australia, Bugner launched a fairly successful comeback, earning good victories over world title contenders [[James Tillis]] and [[David Bey]] and an impressive victory over former [[World Boxing Association|WBA]] heavyweight champion [[Greg Page (boxer)|Greg Page]], gaining a world ranking in the process, after which he spoke of challenging reigning heavyweight champion [[Mike Tyson]].<ref>{{cite magazine | date=3 August 1987 | url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1066234/1/index.htm | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025173256/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1066234/1/index.htm | url-status=dead | archive-date=25 October 2012 | title=Scorecard | magazine=Sports Illustrated | access-date=26 November 2009 }}</ref> However, there was great clamour for a fight with fellow Briton [[Frank Bruno]]. The bout was touted as the biggest all-British heavyweight bout since Cooper Vs Bugner in 1971. The bout took place on 24 October 1987, and Bugner suffered an eighth-round TKO loss to the much younger and fresher world title contender for the Commonwealth championship in front of a huge crowd at [[White Hart Lane]] football stadium. Bugner promptly retired again following this defeat, only his third stoppage defeat in 20 years.<ref name="ringside"/>
 ===1990s===
+Inspired by the 45-year-old [[George Foreman]]'s recapture of the heavyweight title, Bugner made a final comeback in 1995, beating Vince Cervi to win the Australian heavyweight title, followed by a win over West Turner. Bugner then fought fellow Briton and world title contender [[Scott Welch]] for the WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Title.<ref name="ringside"/> Welch proved too young and fresh for the now 46-year-old Bugner, handing him a TKO defeat in the 6th round.<ref name="ringside"/>
-Inspired by the 45-year-old [[George Foreman]]'s recapture of the heavyweight title, Bugner made a final comeback in 1995, beating Vince Cervi to win the Australian heavyweight title, followed by a win over West Turner. Bugner then fought fellow Briton and world title contender [[Scott Welch]] for the WBO Intercontinental Heavyweight Title. Welch proved too young and fresh for the now 46-year-old Bugner, handing him a TKO defeat in the 6th round.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}
+Bugner continued to fight on against far younger opponents. In 1996 he defeated the respectable Young Haumona for the Pacific and Australasian Heavyweight title, retained it against Waisiki Ligaloa in 1997, added the Australian title by defeating the tough Colin Wilson and defending both titles against [[Bob Mirovic]] in 1998.<ref name="ringside"/>
-Bugner continued to fight on against far younger opponents. In 1996 he defeated the respectable Young Haumona for the Pacific and Australasian Heavyweight title, retained it against Waisiki Ligaloa in 1997, added the Australian title by defeating the tough Colin Wilson and defending both titles against [[Bob Mirovic]] in 1998.{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}
-In 1998 Bugner's long-term tenacity finally gave him a world crown, albeit a lightly regarded title - the WBF version of the heavyweight crown - by defeating former WBA World Heavyweight Champion [[James "Bonecrusher" Smith]]. At the age of 48 years and 110 days, it made him the oldest ever boxer to hold a minor [[championship belt]].<ref>[http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/sports/2006/jan/24/sports-24-1-2006-005.htm] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070821020646/http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/sports/2006/jan/24/sports-24-1-2006-005.htm|date=21 August 2007}}</ref><ref>[http://members.fortunecity.com/taletape/bugner.htm] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041013035245/http://members.fortunecity.com/taletape/bugner.htm|date=13 October 2004}}</ref>
+In 1998 Bugner's long-term tenacity finally gave him a world crown – the WBF version of the heavyweight crown – by defeating former WBA World Heavyweight Champion [[James "Bonecrusher" Smith]]. At the age of 48 years and 110 days, it made Bugner the oldest ever boxer to hold a world [[championship belt]].<ref>[http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/sports/2006/jan/24/sports-24-1-2006-005.htm] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070821020646/http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/sports/2006/jan/24/sports-24-1-2006-005.htm|date=21 August 2007}}</ref><ref name="heavyweight">{{Cite web|url= http://members.fortunecity.com/taletape/bugner.htm |title= The Heavyweight Records Archive - Joe Bugnor |work= fortunecity.com |date=13 October 2004|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20041013035245/http://members.fortunecity.com/taletape/bugner.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date= 13 October 2004}}</ref>
-Bugner fought just once more. In June 1999, at the age of 49, he defeated the durable fringe contender Levi Billups, who was disqualified for [[Groin attack|low blow]]s.<ref name="Archived copy">{{cite news | url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4196/is_19990614/ai_n10512737 | title=Archived copy | access-date=24 January 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924121640/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4196/is_19990614/ai_n10512737 | archive-date=24 September 2015 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
+Bugner fought just once more. In June 1999, at the age of 49, he defeated the durable fringe contender Levi Billups, who was disqualified for [[Groin attack|low blow]]s.<ref name="Archived copy">{{cite news | url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4196/is_19990614/ai_n10512737 | title=Archived copy | access-date=24 January 2007 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150924121640/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4196/is_19990614/ai_n10512737 | archive-date=24 September 2015 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
 ==Fight record==
-His record for 83 professional fights is 69 wins (41 on knockouts), 13 Losses and 1 Draw.<ref name="Archived copy"/>
+His record for 83 professional fights is 69 wins (41 on knockouts), 13 losses and 1 draw.<ref name="Archived copy"/>
 In an interview in 2004, Bugner said that the hardest puncher he had ever faced was [[Earnie Shavers]] and the biggest beating he took was from [[Ron Lyle]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=663&more=1 |title=Interview with Joe Bugner |publisher=Eastsideboxing.com |date=18 February 2004 |access-date=25 October 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730143319/http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=663&more=1 |archive-date=30 July 2012 }}</ref>
 ==Life outside boxing==
-After moving to Australia, Bugner and his wife, Marlene, opened a vineyard. It failed in 1989, and he lost an estimated two million [[Australian dollar]]s.<ref name="b-m"/> He now lives in Brisbane, [[Queensland]].
+After moving to Australia, Bugner and his wife, Marlene, opened a vineyard. It failed in 1989, and he lost an estimated two million Australian dollars.<ref name="b-m"/>
-Bugner has worked in the [[film industry]]. During the 1970s, he appeared in one of several PSAs themed ''Be Smart, Be Safe''; these dealt with instructing children on how to safely cross a road or a street. In 1979 Bugner featured in an [[Italian language|Italian]] film, ''[[Io sto con gli ippopotami]]'' with [[Bud Spencer]] and [[Terence Hill]], he worked with [[Bud Spencer]] in his films in the 1980s. He worked as the expert adviser on the [[Russell Crowe]] film, ''[[Cinderella Man]]'', which was a film about the heavyweight boxer [[James J. Braddock]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/CROWE%20GETS%20BOXING%20LESSONS |title=Russell Crowe &#124; Crowe Gets Boxing Lessons |publisher=Contactmusic.com |date=12 August 2003 |access-date=25 October 2012}}</ref> Bugner was dropped part way through the project, which prompted him to call Crowe, "a gutless worm and a f*****g girl".<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,4-1359566,00.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20110604123727/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,4-1359566,00.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=4 June 2011 | work=The Times | location=London | title=Cinderella Man who went to the ball and conquered | first=Rick | last=Broadbent | date=15 November 2004 | access-date=6 May 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://observer.guardian.co.uk/osm/story/0,,1766488,00.html | work=The Guardian | location=London | title=Five still fighting at forty | date=7 May 2006 | access-date=6 May 2010}}</ref>
+Bugner worked in the [[film industry]]. During the 1970s, he appeared in one of several PSAs themed ''Be Smart, Be Safe''; these dealt with instructing children on how to safely cross a road or a street. In 1979, Bugner featured in an Italian film, ''[[Io sto con gli ippopotami]]'', with [[Bud Spencer]] and [[Terence Hill]], and he worked again with Spencer throughout the 1980s. He worked as the expert adviser on the [[Russell Crowe]] film ''[[Cinderella Man]]'', which was a film about the heavyweight boxer [[James J. Braddock]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/mndwebpages/CROWE%20GETS%20BOXING%20LESSONS |title=Russell Crowe &#124; Crowe Gets Boxing Lessons |work=Contactmusic.com |date=12 August 2003 |access-date=25 October 2012}}</ref> Bugner was dropped partway through the project, which prompted him to call Crowe "a gutless worm and a f*****g girl".<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,4-1359566,00.html | archive-url=https://archive.today/20110604123727/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,4-1359566,00.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=4 June 2011 | work=The Times | location=London | title=Cinderella Man who went to the ball and conquered | first=Rick | last=Broadbent | date=15 November 2004 | access-date=6 May 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2006/may/07/boxing.features1 | work=The Guardian | location=London | title=Five still fighting at forty | date=7 May 2006 | access-date=6 May 2010}}</ref>
-Bugner suffers from a serious back injury he sustained from training for fights in his middle years. He also has financial problems. These financial problems prompted him to re-enter the ring at such an advanced age. A benefit was held for Bugner in 2008 by [[Kevin Lueshing]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/ten-things-you-need-to-know-431901 | title=Ten things you need to know about new I'm a Celebrity contestant Joe Bugner| website=[[Daily Mirror]]| date=18 November 2009}}</ref>
+Bugner suffered from a serious back injury he sustained from training for fights in his middle years. Financial problems prompted him to re-enter the ring at such an advanced age. A benefit was held for Bugner in 2008 by [[Kevin Lueshing]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/ten-things-you-need-to-know-431901 | title=Ten things you need to know about new I'm a Celebrity contestant Joe Bugner| website=[[Daily Mirror]]| date=18 November 2009}}</ref>
-In November 2009, Bugner replaced [[Camilla Dallerup]] on day 4 of the British TV show ''[[I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!]]''. He left the show on day 16 after losing a bushtucker trial called 'Jungle Jail' to fellow celebrity [[Stuart Manning]].{{Citation needed|date=November 2023}}
+In November 2009, Bugner replaced [[Camilla Dallerup]] on day 4 of the British TV show ''[[I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! (British TV series)|I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!]]''. He left the show on day 16 after losing a [[bush tucker]] trial called 'Jungle Jail' to fellow celebrity [[Stuart Manning]].<ref>{{cite news |date=30 November 2009 |title=Boxer Joe Bugner voted off I'm A Celebrity |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8385792.stm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091203122133/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8385792.stm |archive-date=3 December 2009 |access-date=1 September 2025 |work=BBC News}}</ref>
-Bugner has three children, James, Joe Jr., and Amy, from his ex-wife Melody.<ref>The Mirror 26 November 2009 [https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/joe-bugner-having-the-boxer-as-a-dad-433450 Joe Bugner: Having the boxer as a dad made my life hell, says his son James]</ref>
+Bugner had three children: James, Joe Jr. and Amy, with his ex-wife Melody.<ref>[https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/joe-bugner-having-the-boxer-as-a-dad-433450 Joe Bugner: Having the boxer as a dad made my life hell, says his son James] 26 November 2009. ''[[Daily Mirror]]''</ref>
-Bugner's [[autobiography]], ''Joe Bugner – My Story'', was published by [[New Holland Publishers|New Holland Publishing (Australia)]] in November 2013.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Bugner |first1=Joe |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wg-ongEACAAJ |title=My Story |last2=Mullins |first2=Stuart |date=2013 |publisher=New Holland |isbn=978-1-74257-458-5 |language=en}}</ref>
+Bugner's autobiography, ''Joe Bugner – My Story'', was published by [[New Holland Publishers|New Holland Publishing (Australia)]] on 14 November 2013.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Bugner |first1=Joe |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wg-ongEACAAJ |title=My Story |last2=Mullins |first2=Stuart |date=2013 |publisher=New Holland |isbn=978-1-74257-458-5 |language=en}}</ref>
+Bugner spent his final years with dementia and died at a care home in [[Brisbane]], Australia, on 1 September 2025, at the age of 75.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Joe Bugner: Former world heavyweight title opponent for Muhammad Ali dies aged 75 |url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12183/13423098/joe-bugner-former-world-heavyweight-title-opponent-for-muhammad-ali-dies-aged-75 |access-date=2025-09-01 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}}</ref><ref name="gdnobit">{{cite news |last1=Rawling |first1=John |title=Joe Bugner obituary |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/sep/01/joe-bugner-obituary |access-date=1 September 2025 |work=The Guardian |date=1 September 2025}}</ref>
 ==Professional boxing record==
+<ref name="heavyweight"/>
 {{BoxingRecordSummary
 |draws=1
@@ Line 126: / Line 130: @@
 |83
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|69-13-1
+|69–13–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Levi Billups
 |DQ
@@ Line 136: / Line 140: @@
 |82
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|68-13-1
+|68–13–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[James "Bonecrusher" Smith|James Smith]]
 |TKO
@@ Line 146: / Line 150: @@
 |81
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|67-13-1
+|67–13–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Bob Mirovic]]
 |SD
@@ Line 152: / Line 156: @@
 |20 Apr 1998
 |align=left|Carrara, Australia
-|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained Australian heavyweight title;<br />Won vacant PABA heavyweight title}}
+|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained Australian heavyweight title;<br/>Won vacant PABA heavyweight title}}
 |-
 |80
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|66-13-1
+|66–13–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Colin Wilson
 |UD
@@ Line 166: / Line 170: @@
 |79
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|65-13-1
+|65–13–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Waisiki Ligaloa
 |TKO
@@ Line 176: / Line 180: @@
 |78
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|64-13-1
+|64–13–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Young Haumona
 |KO
@@ Line 186: / Line 190: @@
 |77
 |{{no2}}Loss
-|63-13-1
+|63–13–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Scott Welch]]
 |TKO
 |6
 |16 Mar 1996
-|align=left|[[Berlin]], [[Germany]]
+|align=left|[[Berlin]], Germany
 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For vacant [[World Boxing Organization|WBO]] Inter-Continental heavyweight title}}
 |-
 |76
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|63-12-1
+|63–12–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|West Turner
 |KO
@@ Line 206: / Line 210: @@
 |75
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|62-12-1
+|62–12–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Vince Cervi
 |UD
@@ Line 216: / Line 220: @@
 |74
 |{{no2}}Loss
-|61-12-1
+|61–12–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Frank Bruno]]
 |TKO
@@ Line 226: / Line 230: @@
 |73
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|61-11-1
+|61–11–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Greg Page (boxer)|Greg Page]]
 |UD
@@ Line 236: / Line 240: @@
 |72
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|60-11-1
+|60–11–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[David Bey]]
 |UD
@@ Line 246: / Line 250: @@
 |71
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|59-11-1
+|59–11–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[James Tillis]]
 |PTS
 |10
 |15 Sep 1986
-|align=left|[[Sydney]], [[Australia]]
+|align=left|[[Sydney]], Australia
 |
 |-
 |70
 |{{no2}}Loss
-|58-11-1
+|58–11–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Steffen Tangstad]]
 |SD
@@ Line 266: / Line 270: @@
 |69
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|58-10-1
+|58–10–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Anders Eklund (boxer)|Anders Eklund]]
 |MD
@@ Line 276: / Line 280: @@
 |68
 |{{no2}}Loss
-|57-10-1
+|57–10–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Marvis Frazier]]
 |UD
@@ Line 286: / Line 290: @@
 |67
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|57-9-1
+|57–9–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Danny Sutton
 |TKO
@@ Line 296: / Line 300: @@
 |66
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|56-9-1
+|56–9–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|John Dino Denis
 |TKO
@@ Line 306: / Line 310: @@
 |65
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|55-9-1
+|55–9–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Eddie Neilson
 |TKO
@@ Line 316: / Line 320: @@
 |64
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|54-9-1
+|54–9–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Winston Allen
 |KO
@@ Line 326: / Line 330: @@
 |63
 |{{no2}}Loss
-|53-9-1
+|53–9–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Earnie Shavers]]
 |TKO
@@ Line 336: / Line 340: @@
 |62
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|53-8-1
+|53–8–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Gilberto Acuna
 |TKO
@@ Line 346: / Line 350: @@
 |61
 |{{no2}}Loss
-|52-8-1
+|52–8–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Ron Lyle]]
 |SD
@@ Line 357: / Line 361: @@
 |60
 |{{yes2}}Won
-|52-7-1
+|52–7–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Richard Dunn (boxer)|Richard Dunn]]
 |KO
@@ Line 363: / Line 367: @@
 |12 Oct 1976
 |align=left|Wembley, London
-|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won European, British, and Commonwealth heavyweight titles}}
+|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won European, British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles}}
 |-
 |59
 |{{no2}}Loss
-|51-7-1
+|51–7–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Muhammad Ali]]
 |UD
 |15
-|[[Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Bugner II|1 Jul 1975]]<!-- This is often reported as happening on June 30 because it was still June 30 in much of the world when the fight started on July 1 in Malaysia --><ref>{{cite web |title=ESPN Classic – Muhammad Ali's ring record |url=https://www.espn.com/classic/s/Ali_record.html |website=www.espn.com |access-date=6 July 2021}}</ref>
+|[[Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Bugner II|1 Jul 1975]]<!-- This is often reported as happening on June 30 because it was still June 30 in much of the world when the fight started on July 1 in Malaysia --><ref>{{cite web |title=ESPN Classic – Muhammad Ali's ring record |url=https://www.espn.com/classic/s/Ali_record.html |website=espn.com |access-date=6 July 2021}}</ref>
-|align=left|[[Merdeka Stadium]], [[Kuala Lumpur]]
+|align=left|[[Merdeka Stadium]], Kuala Lumpur
-|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For, [[List of WBA world champions#Heavyweight|WBA]], [[List of WBC world champions#Heavyweight|WBC]], and [[List of The Ring world champions#Heavyweight|''The Ring'' heavyweight titles]]}}
+|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|For, [[List of WBA world champions#Heavyweight|WBA]], [[List of WBC world champions#Heavyweight|WBC]] and [[List of The Ring world champions#Heavyweight|''The Ring'' heavyweight titles]]}}
 |-
 |58
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|51-6-1
+|51–6–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Dante Cane
 |TKO
 |5
 |28 Feb 1975
-|align=left|[[Bologna]], [[Italy]]
+|align=left|[[Bologna]], Italy
 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained European heavyweight title}}
 |-
 |57
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|50-6-1
+|50–6–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Santiago Alberto Lovell
 |TKO
@@ Line 397: / Line 401: @@
 |56
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|49-6-1
+|49–6–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Jimmy Ellis (boxer)|Jimmy Ellis]]
 |PTS
@@ Line 407: / Line 411: @@
 |55
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|48-6-1
+|48–6–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Jose Luis Garcia
 |KO
@@ Line 417: / Line 421: @@
 |54
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|47-6-1
+|47–6–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Piermario Baruzzi
 |TKO
 |10
 |29 May 1974
-|align=left|[[Copenhagen]], [[Denmark]]
+|align=left|[[Copenhagen]], Denmark
 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Retained European heavyweight title}}
 |-
 |53
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|46-6-1
+|46–6–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Pat Duncan
 |PTS
@@ Line 437: / Line 441: @@
 |52
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|45-6-1
+|45–6–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Mac Foster
 |PTS
@@ Line 447: / Line 451: @@
 |51
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|44-6-1
+|44–6–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Giuseppe Ros
 |PTS
@@ Line 457: / Line 461: @@
 |50
 |{{no2}}Loss
-|43-6-1
+|43–6–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Joe Frazier]]
 |PTS
@@ Line 467: / Line 471: @@
 |49
 |{{no2}}Loss
-|43-5-1
+|43–5–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Muhammad Ali]]
 |UD
@@ Line 477: / Line 481: @@
 |48
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|43-4-1
+|43–4–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Rudie Lubbers]]
 |UD
@@ Line 487: / Line 491: @@
 |47
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|42-4-1
+|42–4–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Dante Cane
 |TKO
@@ Line 497: / Line 501: @@
 |46
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|41-4-1
+|41–4–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Tony Doyle
 |TKO
@@ Line 507: / Line 511: @@
 |45
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|40-4-1
+|40–4–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Jürgen Blin]]
 |KO
@@ Line 517: / Line 521: @@
 |44
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|39-4-1
+|39–4–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Paul Nielsen
 |TKO
 |6
 |[[Muhammad Ali vs. Al Lewis|19 Jul 1972]]
-|align=left|[[Croke Park]], [[Dublin]]
+|align=left|[[Croke Park]], Dublin
 |
 |-
 |43
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|38-4-1
+|38–4–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Doug Kirk
 |TKO
@@ Line 537: / Line 541: @@
 |42
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|37-4-1
+|37–4–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Marc Hans
 |TKO
@@ Line 547: / Line 551: @@
 |41
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|36-4-1
+|36–4–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Leroy Caldwell
 |DQ
@@ Line 557: / Line 561: @@
 |40
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|35-4-1
+|35–4–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Brian O'Melia
 |TKO
@@ Line 567: / Line 571: @@
 |39
 |{{no2}}Loss
-|34-4-1
+|34–4–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Larry Middleton
 |PTS
@@ Line 577: / Line 581: @@
 |38
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|34-3-1
+|34–3–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Mike Boswell
 |UD
 |10
 |17 Nov 1971
-|align=left|[[Houston]], [[Texas]]
+|align=left|[[Houston]], Texas
 |
 |-
 |37
 |{{no2}}Loss
-|33-3-1
+|33–3–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Jack Bodell]]
 |PTS
@@ Line 593: / Line 597: @@
 |27 Sep 1971
 |align=left|Wembley, London
-|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost European, British, and Commonwealth heavyweight titles}}
+|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Lost European, British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles}}
 |-
 |36
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|33-2-1
+|33–2–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Jürgen Blin]]
 |PTS
@@ Line 607: / Line 611: @@
 |35
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|32-2-1
+|32–2–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Henry Cooper (boxer)|Henry Cooper]]
 |PTS
@@ Line 613: / Line 617: @@
 |16 Mar 1971
 |align=left|Wembley, London
-|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won [[list of European Boxing Union champions#Heavyweight|European]], [[list of British heavyweight boxing champions|British]], and [[list of Commonwealth Boxing Council champions#Heavyweight|Commonwealth heavyweight titles]]}}
+|style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Won [[list of European Boxing Union champions#Heavyweight|European]], [[list of British heavyweight boxing champions|British]] and [[list of Commonwealth Boxing Council champions#Heavyweight|Commonwealth heavyweight titles]]}}
 |-
 |34
 |style="background: #B0C4DE"|Draw
-|31-2-1
+|31–2–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Bill Drover
 |PTS
@@ Line 627: / Line 631: @@
 |33
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|31-2
+|31–2
 |style="text-align:left;"|Carl Gizzi
 |PTS
@@ Line 637: / Line 641: @@
 |32
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|30-2
+|30–2
 |style="text-align:left;"|Miguel Angel Paez
 |TKO
@@ Line 647: / Line 651: @@
 |31
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|29-2
+|29–2
 |style="text-align:left;"|George Johnson
 |PTS
@@ Line 657: / Line 661: @@
 |30
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|28-2
+|28–2
 |style="text-align:left;"|Hector Eduardo Corletti
 |PTS
@@ Line 667: / Line 671: @@
 |29
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|27-2
+|27–2
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Chuck Wepner]]
 |TKO
@@ Line 677: / Line 681: @@
 |28
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|26-2
+|26–2
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Brian London]]
 |TKO
@@ Line 687: / Line 691: @@
 |27
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|25-2
+|25–2
 |style="text-align:left;"|Ray Patterson
 |PTS
@@ Line 697: / Line 701: @@
 |26
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|24-2
+|24–2
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Manuel Ramos (boxer)|Manuel Ramos]]
 |PTS
@@ Line 707: / Line 711: @@
 |25
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|23-2
+|23–2
 |style="text-align:left;"|Roberto Davila
 |TKO
@@ Line 717: / Line 721: @@
 |24
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|22-2
+|22–2
 |style="text-align:left;"|Johnny Prescott
 |PTS
@@ Line 727: / Line 731: @@
 |23
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|21-2
+|21–2
 |style="text-align:left;"|Charley Polite
 |TKO
@@ Line 737: / Line 741: @@
 |22
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|20-2
+|20–2
 |style="text-align:left;"|Eddie Talhami
 |TKO
@@ Line 747: / Line 751: @@
 |21
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|19-2
+|19–2
 |style="text-align:left;"|Phil Smith
 |TKO
@@ Line 757: / Line 761: @@
 |20
 |{{no2}}Loss
-|18-2
+|18–2
 |style="text-align:left;"|Dick Hall
 |PTS
@@ Line 767: / Line 771: @@
 |19
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|18-1
+|18–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Moses Harrell
 |PTS
 |8
 |9 Jun 1969
-|align=left|[[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue]], [[Manchester]]
+|align=left|[[Belle Vue, Manchester|Belle Vue]], Manchester
 |
 |-
 |18
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|17-1
+|17–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Tony Ventura
 |PTS
@@ Line 787: / Line 791: @@
 |17
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|16-1
+|16–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|[[Jack O'Halloran]]
 |PTS
@@ Line 797: / Line 801: @@
 |16
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|15-1
+|15–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Lion Ven
 |TKO
@@ Line 807: / Line 811: @@
 |15
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|14-1
+|14–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Ulric Regis
 |PTS
@@ Line 817: / Line 821: @@
 |14
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|13-1
+|13–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Terry Feeley
 |TKO
@@ Line 827: / Line 831: @@
 |13
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|12-1
+|12–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Rudolph Vaughan
 |TKO
@@ Line 837: / Line 841: @@
 |12
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|11-1
+|11–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|George Dulaire
 |TKO
@@ Line 847: / Line 851: @@
 |11
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|10-1
+|10–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Gene Innocent
 |TKO
@@ Line 857: / Line 861: @@
 |10
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|9-1
+|9–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Paul Brown
 |TKO
@@ Line 867: / Line 871: @@
 |9
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|8-1
+|8–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Vic Moore
 |TKO
@@ Line 877: / Line 881: @@
 |8
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|7-1
+|7–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Obe Hepburn
 |TKO
@@ Line 887: / Line 891: @@
 |7
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|6-1
+|6–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Paul Brown
 |TKO
@@ Line 897: / Line 901: @@
 |6
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|5-1
+|5–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Billy Wynter
 |PTS
@@ Line 907: / Line 911: @@
 |5
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|4-1
+|4–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Mick Oliver
 |RTD
@@ Line 917: / Line 921: @@
 |4
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|3-1
+|3–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Bert Johnson
 |KO
@@ Line 927: / Line 931: @@
 |3
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|2-1
+|2–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Jim McIlvaney
 |TKO
@@ Line 937: / Line 941: @@
 |2
 |{{yes2}}Win
-|1-1
+|1–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Paul Cassidy
 |TKO
@@ Line 947: / Line 951: @@
 |1
 |{{no2}}Loss
-|0-1
+|0–1
 |style="text-align:left;"|Paul Brown
 |KO
 |3
 |20 Dec 1967
-|align=left|[[Mayfair]], [[London]]
+|align=left|[[Mayfair]], London
 |
 {{s-end}}
@@ Line 959: / Line 963: @@
 {{BoxingRecordSummary
 |draws=
-|ko-wins=
+|ko–wins=
-|ko-losses=
+|ko–losses=
-|dec-wins=
+|dec–wins=
-|dec-losses=
+|dec–losses=
 |nonscore=2
 }}
@@ Line 994: / Line 998: @@
 |?
 |Dec 3, 1974
-|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|UK}} {{small|[[Royal Albert Hall]], [[London]], England}}
+|style="text-align:left;"|{{flagicon|UK}} {{small|[[Royal Albert Hall]], London, England}}
 |style="text-align:left;"|{{small|Non-scored bout}}
 |}
@@ Line 1,010: / Line 1,014: @@
 {{DEFAULTSORT:Bugner, Joe}}
 [[Category:1950 births]]
-[[Category:Sportspeople from Szeged]]
+[[Category:2025 deaths]]
+[[Category:20th-century Australian sportsmen]]
+[[Category:Australian autobiographers]]
 [[Category:Australian male boxers]]
+[[Category:Commonwealth Boxing Council champions]]
+[[Category:English male boxers]]
+[[Category:European Boxing Union champions]]
 [[Category:Heavyweight boxers]]
-[[Category:Australian people of Hungarian descent]]
 [[Category:Hungarian emigrants to Australia]]
-[[Category:Immigrants to the United Kingdom]]
+[[Category:Hungarian emigrants to the United Kingdom]]
-[[Category:Living people]]
+[[Category:Hungarian refugees]]
+[[Category:Naturalised citizens of Australia]]
+[[Category:Naturalised citizens of the United Kingdom]]
 [[Category:People from St Ives, Cambridgeshire]]
-[[Category:European Boxing Union champions]]
-[[Category:English male boxers]]
-[[Category:Commonwealth Boxing Council champions]]
-[[Category:Immigrants to Australia]]
 [[Category:Sportspeople from Cambridgeshire]]
-[[Category:Naturalised citizens of Australia]]
+[[Category:Sportspeople from Szeged]]
-[[Category:Naturalised citizens of the United Kingdom]]
-[[Category:Hungarian emigrants to the United Kingdom]]
-[[Category:20th-century Australian sportsmen]]

Joe Bugner: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 04:12, 1 December 2025

Early years

Boxing career

1960s

1970s

Defeat of Henry Cooper

Prime years

Regains British, European and Commonwealth titles

1980s

Comeback in Australia

1990s

Fight record

Life outside boxing

Professional boxing record

Exhibition boxing record

References

External links

Navigation menu

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