Bugner are his peak was a frustrating cat. He went 30 rounds with Ali, 15 with Frazier, 12 with Lyle, yet boxed well within himself, almost a sparring partner mentality. Inconsistent doesn't cover it. Bugner could 'do a Parker' on Wilder and win a defensively prudent but boring 12 rounder...maybe winning every round. He was a much better boxer than Wilder, but Wilder only needs that split second..
Yeah, Bugner. Much better boxers, very solid whiskers, numerous rounds against historically top opposition. If Lyle and Frazier weren't stopping Bugner, neither is Wilder, and Joe is outpointing him with ease.
Bugner is not some h2h monster by any stretch of the imagination, but his style and stats are all wrong for Wilder. Bugner had a decent high guard, knew how to use his legs, clinch, and had a solid chin. He has tons of experience against all kinds of styles and faced his fair share of big hitters. Bugner could sometimes go into his shell, but when he felt compelled he knew how to win rounds and stay busy. Wilder is tall, athletic with decent quickness, had plenty of heart, and one of the most devastating right hands in history. But, that's pretty much it. He isn't really bringing anything else to the table for Bugner to worry about. Wilder cannot counter punch, he barely understands body shots or proper combinations, has negative ring IQ, a very basic guard, and for Lord knows what reason Wilder won't consistently use his jab and height to his advantage. Bugner wouldn't be particularly busy, but neither is Wilder. However, Bugner would auto win round after round simply with good ring general ship: throwing cleaner punches with decent accuracy, timing, using the ring, spoiling, and having responsible defense. Wilder would be trailing after a few attempts at his desperate sloppy overhand rights hoping to end the night with one big hit. The only other threatening punch is the hook, and Bugner's guard was too tight for Wilder's looping shots. At some point, Wilder might connect or even drop Bugner, but he gets up and survives the round. Bugner wins a pretty convincing but boring decision. He's an ugly matchup for Wilder.
