Joe Bugner, Former British and European Heavyweight Champion, Passes Away at 75

Joe Bugner, a Hungarian-born boxer who fled the Cold War to become British and European heavyweight champion, has died at age 75 in Brisbane, Australia. He is remembered for enduring full bouts against legends Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, earning their respect despite coming up short on the scorecards.

His passing was confirmed on Monday by the British Boxing Board of Control, with no further details released.

Bugner moved to Australia in the mid-1980s, where he gained the nickname “Aussie Joe.” In his later years, he lived in a care facility after being diagnosed with dementia.

Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 230 pounds, Bugner’s lengthy 32-year career extended into his late 40s. Though admired for his skill, he faced criticism in the UK for a style seen as cautious and less aggressive, leading to the nickname “The Harmless Hercules.”

Bugner later explained that his measured approach in the ring stemmed from a tragic early bout in 1969, when his opponent Ulric Regis of Trinidad and Tobago died from a brain injury sustained during their fight.

Reflecting on the incident, Bugner said, “When something like that happens, it changes you. I often wondered if it could happen again, which made me more careful when throwing punches.”