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Joe Bugner, Heavyweight Who Fought Muhammad Ali, Dies at 75

The British boxing board confirmed the Hungary-born former champion died in a Brisbane care home at 75.

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.