Popular Boxing Legend Who Fought Muhammad Ali And Joe Frazier Is Dead

Former heavyweight boxer Joe Bugner has died at the age of 75

Bugner became a huge star after landing British, European, and Commonwealth heavyweight titles, and even appeared on I’m a Celebrity in 2009.

He shared the ring with Muhammad Ali twice, first in 1973 in Las Vegas and again in 1975 in a 15-round bout in Kuala Lumpur for the WBA, WBC, and Ring heavyweight titles.

However, he lost both fights on unanimous points decisions.

Months after his first defeat to Ali, Bugner also lost to Joe Frazier in Earls Court, London.

But in 1971, the Hungarian-born British-Australian international had defeated Henry Cooper on points to be crowned the British, European, and Commonwealth champion.

He retained his European heavyweight title in a fight with Jurgen Blin just two months later, before losing his trio of belts to Jack Bodell in September.

The British Boxing Board of Control confirmed the sad news that Bugner, who had three kids with ex-wife Melody, had died.

A statement read: “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.”

Bugner also fought against the likes of Earnie Shavers and future world champion Frank Bruno, whom he lost to via a TKO in 1987, but was unable to overcome some of the most successful fighters of the era.

His career ended with 69 wins, 41 by knockout, 13 losses, and one draw.

After hanging up his gloves, he tried various other sidelines, including running his own vineyard in Australia and working in films.

He appeared in movies and worked as an adviser to Russell Crowe on the boxing film Cinderella Man.

Bugner also appeared on I’m A Celeb in 2009, leaving after day 16 after losing a bushtucker trial to actor Stuart Manning.

Tributes have poured in for Bugner following the news.