Joe Frazier vs Joe Bugner - boxing - heavyweights

Joe Frazier vs Joe Bugner in a 12 round non title fight

Date: July 2, 1973

Venue: Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London

Frazier stance: orthodox

Bugner stance:

After Joe Frazier lost his world titles and his unbeaten record to George Foreman, he chose to travel to London to face Joe Bugner is is first fight back. This bout was taking place less than six months after Frazier had been dropped (actually, on one occasion it would be more accurate to say he was launched) six times in two rounds. The obvious question was what did Frazier have left after such a crushing defeat?

Joe Bugner was the epitome of an old school fighter. He turned pro at the tender age of 17, back in 1967, and had his last fight in 1999. He fought most of the elite level heavyweights of the 1960s and 1970s, usually losing the big ones, but occasionally spring a surprise. Bugner was gaining a reputation as a hard hitting prospect until in his 15th fight, his opponent Ulric Regis, died from brain injuries a few days later. From that point on, the 6'4" Bugner rarely put his full weight into punches. Despite his defensive approach to the sport (maybe even because of it), Bugner was probably the most talented British heavyweight before Lennox Lewis.

Bugner's most recent bout had been against Muhammad Ali, and he gave a good account of himself despite losing on points over 12 rounds. Before that, he had enjoyed nine consecutive wins, and had regained his European heavyweight crown. This was the 23 year-old Bugner's 50th pro fight.

For an in depth look at their respective records, visit:

Joe Frazier - https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/147

Joe Bugner - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/000924