We Just Lost Joe Bugner, and Boxing Feels a Little Emptier Today

By Lewis Barnett 1 September, 2025 6 mins read 218 Views

God, this one hits different.

Joe Bugner died yesterday at 75 in a care home in Brisbane, and I've been staring at my laptop screen for twenty minutes trying to figure out how to write about a guy who basically defined what it meant to be a heavyweight contender in the 1970s. The Hungarian-born, British-raised, Australian-living legend who had the guts to step into the ring with Muhammad Ali twice and Joe Frazier once – and somehow made it look easy even when he was getting his face rearranged.

The British Boxing Board of Control made it official this morning with one of those sterile press releases that never quite capture what we actually lost.

Listen Now

Two Nights with Ali That Changed Everything

Let me paint you a picture. It's 1973 in Las Vegas, and some relatively unknown British heavyweight is about to go twelve rounds with the greatest boxer who ever lived. Then he does it again in 1975 in Kuala Lumpur – for all three major heavyweight titles, no less. Bugner lost both fights on unanimous decisions, sure, but here's the thing nobody talks about: he went the distance. Twice.

Most fighters were lucky to last six rounds with Ali in his prime.

I remember watching grainy footage of that second fight years ago (probably around 2019 when I was researching an article about forgotten heavyweight contenders), and what struck me wasn't that Bugner lost – it was how he kept coming forward. Round after round, eating jabs, getting tied up in clinches, but never backing down. That's not technique you can teach. That's just... I don't know what to call it except heart.

The Night Frazier Made Him Famous

Then came Joe Frazier at Earls Court in London, just months after the first Ali fight. Poor Bugner walked into that one like a man heading to his own execution, but he showed up anyway. Lost that one too, but by then it didn't matter. He'd already proven something that can't be measured in wins and losses.

My old trainer used to say that some fighters are remembered for who they beat, others for who they fought. Bugner was definitely the latter.

When Everything Clicked (Briefly)

Here's what gets me though – before all those legendary beatings, Bugner actually had his moment. 1971, he outpointed Henry Cooper to win the British, European, and Commonwealth heavyweight titles all in one night. Cooper was a national hero at that point, and this relatively unknown kid just... took it from him.

He even defended his European title against Jurgen Blin two months later. Everything was lining up perfectly.

Then Jack Bodell happened in September, and suddenly all three belts were gone. Boxing's funny like that – you can spend years climbing to teh top, and lose everything in one bad night.

What We're Really Losing Here

I keep thinking about what boxing was like in Bugner's era. No social media hype machines, no manufactured beef for pay-per-view sales. Just guys who could fight getting in the ring with other guys who could fight, and may the best man win. Bugner represented something pure about that time – a willingness to test yourself against anyone, anywhere, even when the smart money said you'd lose.

The tributes are already pouring in from all over the boxing world, and they all say basically the same thing: tough as nails, never took an easy fight, always showed up ready to work. In an era full of protected records and cherry-picked opponents, that means something.

Rest in peace, Joe. Thanks for showing us what courage looks like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sparring necessary for beginners in boxing?

Beginners shouldn't immediately start sparring. They should wait until they have a solid base in the basics, and a level of fitness that is acceptable. It's vital to spar under the supervision of a coach and with proper protective gear to ensure safety and productive learning experiences.

What are common mistakes beginners make in boxing?

Common mistakes include overextending punches, dropping the hands, ignoring defense, holding the breath, neglecting footwork, and focusing too much on power rather than technique. A coach who is qualified can help you to identify these mistakes early and correct them before they become habits.

What should I look for when choosing a boxing gym?

When selecting a boxing gym, look for a welcoming environment, experienced and approachable instructors, a variety of classes suitable for different skill levels, quality equipment, and positive reviews or recommendations from current members. A trial session can also help you get a feel for the gym's atmosphere and training style.

How do I select the correct size and type boxing gloves?

The size and type of boxing glove you need depend on your weight, the level of protection required, and the activity you're engaging in (e.g., heavy bag work, sparring, or competition). Gloves come in ounces. Beginners often begin with gloves that are 12oz and 14oz for general training, then move up to heavier gloves when sparring.

Can I learn boxing from home?

Although you can begin learning boxing through fitness apps or instructional videos, it is best to work with a certified coach at a gym in order to master the techniques. In addition, boxing clubs provide equipment and allow you to train with others.

How do I wrap hands for boxing?

Hand wrapping is crucial in boxing to protect your hands and wrists from injury. Wraps are unwound and placed around the thumb. Extend the wrap over your hand and then circle your wrist. Wrap the Velcro around your wrist, crisscrossing your fingers and covering your knuckles.

Statistics

Cardiovascular fitness improvements can be seen after just 12 weeks of consistent boxing training.
Studies suggest that about 30% of beginner boxers tend to neglect the importance of footwork in their initial training phase.
Boxing has one of the lowest rates of injury compared to other contact sports, with approximately 1.1 injuries per 1,000 minutes of athletics.
It is estimated that 60% of beginner boxers do not use the correct size gloves, which can increase the risk of injury.
Surveys reveal that close to 40% of new boxers join the sport for self-defense purposes rather than for competition or fitness.
Nearly 95% of boxing trainers agree that mental conditioning is just as important as physical training for beginners in the sport.
On average, beginner boxers improve their punching power by 10%-20% after six months of consistent training.
About 25% of people who take up boxing transition to competitive amateur boxing within their first two years of training.
Approximately 80% of boxing injuries occur during training, not in actual competition.
Research indicates that nearly 70% of punches thrown by boxers during a match are jabs.

External Links

How To

How to create a boxing workout at home

A structured routine is the first step in creating a boxing exercise at home. Combine cardio exercises such as jumping rope or running for endurance with strength training like push-ups and squats to develop muscle. When shadowboxing focus on your stance as well as punching form. If you own a heavy bag or a bag round, incorporate bag rounds to your routine. This will help with power and combination.

Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/wilder-wants-to-school-jake-paul-while-joshua-deal-falls-apart