Is Joe Bugner the most underrated British Heavyweight in history?

Probably both.

 

I've always thought he was a great fighter, whom on his best night is fit for damn near any normal size HW.

so yes maybe.

 

Bugner went 15 and 12 with Ali and 12 with Frazier and he was not that popular in the UK. Richard Dunn got decimated by Ali and he was loved there.

Go figure!

 

He was so hard to get a handle on. He would turn in outstanding performances such as the first Ali fight and the Frazier fight. And he could turn in fiery performances (as I've read) against Jose Luis Garcia and Jimmy Ellis. But then he would turn in Gandhi-like performances against Jack Bodell and the second Ali fight. I also saw him back off when he had Cooper hurt to the body. so you never knew what you were going to get with him. He had to be frustrating as hell to his corner.

 

Idk about in all of history, but yes he's underrated. The man fought damn near everyone in his era and gave a good account of himself win, lose, or draw. He could be a frustrating opponent h2h because he had good defense, a good chin, knew how to fight tall, good fundamentals and stamina, etc. Really the only thing holding him back was his lack of killer instinct and having a little bit of Jimmy Youngitis focusing on surviving a bit too much at times.

 

Tommy Farr and Phil Scot are probably more underrated. Joe Bugner is too but hes top 10 in whats considered the best era.

Hes the third wheel of the whole Foreman and Holmes storyline in the 90s and likely would have beaten Holmes if they'd fought so theres that.

 

He was big, fairly strong, had a terrific chin and fine boxing skills , wasn't a puncher .. he was one of those guys that often looked like he wasn't giving his all .. he was a talented guy but maybe just not as mean and hungry as needed to bring out all his best or maybe he was simply very good when great was needed.

 

It didn't go down well because alot felt Cooper deserved the win it wasn't just because the younger man won the decision was deemed highly controversial.

I watched the fight a few years ago and whilst I thought it was competitive I thought Cooper clearly deserved the win by a few rounds.

 

That is the problem with some in boxing.

I love Salvador Sanchez. I quickly realized he only did to my most beloved fighter what my most beloved fighter was trying to do to him!

What was Bugner supposed to do, let Cooper beat him?

 

The sum did not quite equal the parts.

In terms of the Great Lost British Heavyweight my thoughts go to Gary Mason.

 

Very good fighter probably second to Lewis in British history . Fought in a very strong time for HWs .often took the money and ran but who can blame him .