Joe Bugner, the former British heavyweight champion, has died at the age of 75 following his battle with dementia.
Bugner won 69 of his 83 fights, with 43 of his wins coming by way of knockout. He twice held the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles and was a three-time European champion. He also went the distance with Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier even if he came up short. After an initial retirement in 1987 following a loss to Frank Bruno, financial difficulties led Bugner to make a comeback eight years later. He found success, winning the World Boxing Federation belt at 48. He retired in 1999, as tributes poured in for him.
“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 British Boxing Board of Control passes on its condolences to Joe’s family,” British Boxing Board of Control
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 had a long career and fought many great heavyweights including… pic.twitter.com/HsU5elJ6bI
— Frank Bruno MBE 🇬🇧 (@frankbrunoboxer) September 1, 2025
Saddened to learn of the passing of Joe Bugner, aged 75. Defeated Sir Henry Cooper, fought Muhammad Ali (twice) and Joe Frazier. A brilliant defensive fighter and one of the characters of the 70s 80s and even 90s. RIP THE BLONDE BOMBER pic.twitter.com/RqSH5Qo19u
— Gareth A Davies (@GarethADaviesDT) September 1, 2025
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
He also participated in the first fight I did on ITV – a great man who will be missed. I’m sending my regards…
— Frank Warren (@FrankWarren) September 1, 2025