I actually met Joe when I was a young man in my first job leaving school was running papers for legal departments. I met him 1987 he was over preparing for the Bruno fight, lovely man, friendly and welcoming. Beating Henry Cooper on the refs decision by the old scoring system of 1/4 of a point, older UK fight fans mostly hated him but he was a natural talent and good fundamentals, defensive with a nice jab. I read his book My story, years ago I really enjoyed it after having met him it really backed up how he came across. Ulric Regis tragedy that some of you may of read about in recent pieces on his life took something away from his fighting style. I was genuinely saddened to hear of his passing, RIP Joe.
[url]https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/joe-bugner-having-the-boxer-as-a-dad-433450[/url] I wonder what his son thinks.
He came across well in the tv interviews I've seen with him. Witty and thoughtful. (Much better than H Cooper when they were reunited in the 90s to talk about their 1971 match. Cooper didn't act like the 'perfect gent' here.) And what a brave guy: imagine having to face Joe Frazier only months after he had been humiliated by Foreman. Frazier, that is, determined to prove that he was not finished!
I remember watching that show when Bugner and Cooper were together and also the other day. Bugner came across very well, sadly I don’t think Cooper came across as well. It was very awkward when Bugner hugged him. It was a very close fight that could have gone either way. Ive watched the whole fight and I gave it to Bugner. It certainly wasn’t a robbery by any stretch.
Agree with you. Thought Bugner just about won it. No argument with anyone who thinks the opposite. There was no robbery here. What was Carpenter on that night in March 1971?! He was plausibly articulate. Not convinced about his suitability for such a high-profile (and enviable) gig, though. Have you seen his outburst at the end of the Ali v Norton fight at Yankee Stadium? Embarrassing.
Find it very easy to believe that he was friendly and welcoming. You were a helluva brave guy, Joe. May you Rest In Peace.