I've just watched a really good ESPN Classics show on Joe Bugner (it's still available on Sky Anytime+ if anyone is interested). Joe really was a fantastic physical specimen, and certainly had a huge amount of ability; he also shared the ring with some of the great champions who were still at the top of (or certainly near) their game. He really seems to be one of our almost forgotten boxers, and his name is rarely mentioned in any lists looking at the best boxers from our shores. What does everyone think about him? Does he deserve more credit? Is he best forgotten?! And how would he do nowadays in his prime?:think
I think he would be clear third best heavyweight behind the Klitschko's he was around in a good era and still performed admirably, lots of skill, very good chin, decent power, always thought he was pretty good to be honest.
IMO you are spot on, he gave Ali a right right in Kuala Lumper and today he would be WC, he would beat the Klitschkos, he took bombs off Joe Frazier and went the distance. A very underated fighter who was a bit lazy in the ring.
He also had some charisma; there was an excellent documentary on Boxnation recently looking at all the build-up to the Joe Frazier fight, Bugner was/is a fascinating character. What's really interesting about the ESPN documentary I mentioned at the start of this thread is the fight against Bruno. It was a massive fight, and it's quite funny to hear the commentators refer to Joe as being old because he's 37, that's young nowadays! Another quick point; the documentary shows the FULL Bruno fight, including ring walks and post fight interviews. There was a thread on here recently where someone had said that ITV and lost/damaged the originals of this fight, and that some bits were lost. The version in this program looks complete and it's good quality.:bbb I definitely think he would be a top contender now; he was a big man, more than capable of competing with today's giants, and it would be fascinating seeing him against the Uk's top fighters today.
Could be really lackadaisical though. Essentially a survivor with elite physical attributes. He'd be a top contender today as well, but would still fail to beat the two best today. I think he's rated just about right. He was never gonna' be loved for generations to come with his style ;-) Way past his best stopped Bonecrusher in a round :deal Bonecrusher ****ed himself over punching Bugner in the shoulder IIRC But we'll give it to Joe as an 'on paper' scalp :yep
like poster Micky , i thought he was pretty good too, i think he would be a world champion think he would have beaten Haye
:deal I think the Klitschko's would give a good account of themselves against the ATG's in the division; I think Bugner would definitely be up against it with them, although he would probably push them more than anyone else out there today.
Angelo Dundee said that Bugner had the body of a Greek statue and all the moves of one. He was a decent fighter and would definately be in the mix in this era
I think he would be the 2nd or 3rd best British heavy. Great fighter but his commitment to the sport and his diet was a disgrace. A few hours prior to facing Joe Frazier he could be seen munching down on tea and toast. That's not the atitude of a champion.
Did you see that on the Boxnation documentary from a few weeks a go? It was very intersting wasn't it?!
