Heavyweight boxer Joe Bugner has died. He was 75. His death was announced on Monday, September 1, in a statement by the British Boxing Board of Control.
Joe Bugner Passes Away
“It is with great sadness that the Former British, European, Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion and World Championship contender Joe Bugner has passed away at his care home in Brisbane, Australia,” the board said, People reports. They also shared their condolences for Bugner’s family.
Bugner had a long career as a professional boxer, starting in 1967, but is perhaps best remembered for his fights against greats like Muhammad Ali, Frank Bruno, Henry Cooper, and Joe Frazier. He won 69 of his 83 contests, Sky News reports.
He was almost champion in 1975 when he took on the defending world heavyweight champ, Ali, in Kuala Lumpur.
Later in life, fans got to see Bugner on reality TV when he appeared on “I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!” in 2009.
Fans & Loved Ones Mourn Joe Bugner
“Sad news to hear of the passing of Joe Bugner, former British, European and Commonwealth Champion, and a man who went the distance with both Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier,” boxing promoter Frank Warren wrote on X. “He also participated in the first fight I did on ITV – a great man who will be missed,” Warren continued. “I’m sending my regards to his family. May he rest in peace.”
Fans reacted to the post with condolences. “RIP A fantastic boxer, he will be missed,” a fan wrote. “A massive character, the Bruno fight will always live in the memory,” another shared.
A third comment reads, “Great character, entertainer, and as tough as they come.”
Retired British boxer Frank Bruno paid tribute to Bugner with a touching post on Instagram. He posted a throwback photo of them from their younger days. In the caption, he shared his thoughts.
“RIP Joe Bugner just heard sad news of the passing of Joe we spent quite a bit of time together around the time of my fight with him he was a character and played Mr bad guy when we did the promotion for the fight,” he wrote. “He had a long career and fought many great heavyweights including Muhammad Ali twice, Joe Frazier, Henry Cooper sad day for boxing.”
Fans reacted to Bruno’s statement with loving words. “Very sad news. Never really got the credit he deserved IMO. May he Rest in Peace,” a comment reads. “Great boxer in a different era, would have champ,” another fan shared.
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