Overview
- He twice faced Muhammad Ali, including a 15-round world title bout in Kuala Lumpur in 1975, and also went the distance with Joe Frazier.
- His 32-year professional career ended at 69-13-1 with 41 knockouts, including stints as British, Commonwealth and European champion.
- Born in Hungary in 1950, he fled to the UK after the 1956 Soviet invasion and later made Australia his home, earning the nickname "Aussie Joe."
- A razor-thin 1971 points win over Henry Cooper secured three titles and remained a defining, contentious moment of his career.
- Tributes from promoter Frank Warren and former opponent Frank Bruno praised his durability and standing in a storied heavyweight era.