Is Joe Bugner the most underrated British Heavyweight in history?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Fergy, Nov 25, 2025 at 4:34 AM.


  1. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Or was he too cautious to be great?
     
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  2. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member Full Member

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    Probably both.
     
  3. thistle

    thistle Boxing Junkie

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    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.
     
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  4. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Yes he had world talent and top class durability but lacked killer instinct and a big defining win.
     
  5. AntonioMartin1

    AntonioMartin1 Jeanette Full Member

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    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!
     
    Last edited: Nov 25, 2025 at 7:41 AM
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  6. scartissue

    scartissue Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    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.
     
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  7. Glass City Cobra

    Glass City Cobra H2H Burger King

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    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.
     
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  8. HistoryZero26

    HistoryZero26 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    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.
     
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  9. he grant

    he grant Historian/Film Maker

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    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.
     
  10. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Joe was never popular after beating Henry cooper.
    He was a beloved Heavyweight in the UK and the young guy beating him didn't go down well.
     
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  11. Dynamicpuncher

    Dynamicpuncher Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    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.
     
  12. AntonioMartin1

    AntonioMartin1 Jeanette Full Member

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    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?
     
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  13. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    The sum did not quite equal the parts.

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

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    The Cooper V Bugner fight has being argued about for donkey years..
    Yes it was a mixture, the decision wasn't well received, Cooper was very popular and Joe basically wasn't.
    Henry would never accept it either, but the fact is the ref gave it to Joe.
    I've seen the fight a couple of times, still think Joe shaded it tbh, but that's not just me.
     
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  15. Turnip mk3

    Turnip mk3 Active Member Full Member

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    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 .
     
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