Joe Bugner, the former heavyweight champion who fought the likes of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier during his boxing career, has died aged 75.
The Hungarian-born athlete was a three-time European champion and twice held the British and Commonwealth titles.
He lost to Ali in Las Vegas and Frazier in London’s Earl’s Court during back-to-back bouts in 1973, before falling short once more against Ali in Kuala Lumpur in 1975.
He also shared the ring with other notable fighters, including Earnie Shavers, Henry Cooper and Frank Bruno.
Announcing the news of his passing, the British Boxing Board of Control said: "It is with great sadness that the former British, European and 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."
Bruno called his death a "sad day for boxing", while promoter Frank Warren described him as “a great man who will be missed”.
Born in Szoreg, Hungary, in 1950, Bugner and his family fled the country after the 1956 Soviet invasion. Bugner and his relatives eventually settled in the Cambridgeshire market town of St Ives.
Bugner later got into boxing, where he became known for technical ability, durability and willingness to take on high-profile opponents.
After turning professional, Bugner claimed a notable victory over Cooper at Wembley Stadium in 1971 to win the British and Commonwealth titles.
The father-of-three retired from the sport several times after first hanging up the gloves in 1976.
He moved to Australia in the 1980s and continued to take on the best in boxing, including a defeat by Bruno at White Hart Lane in 1987.
Bugner retired once more, but returned in 1995 to overcome Vince Cervi during a match on the Gold Coast to take home the Australian title.
He bowed out of boxing for good in 1999 after a win by disqualification against Levi Billups.
Outside of the ring, Bugner appeared in films including the 1994 film Street Fighter and worked as an adviser for the 2005 Hollywood blockbuster Cinderella Man.
He was also a contestant on the 2009 edition of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!
Bugner is survived by his wife Marlene and three children James, Joe Jr and Amy, from his ex-wife Melody.
