When these two laced 'em up together in 1971,Cooper was 37 and past it. Bugner was 21 and still learning his trade. Take the Cooper who beat Zora Foley 10 or more years previously,and match him with the Bugner circa 1973-77. I would take Bugner by a clear,but hard fought decision.
My thoughts as well. Henry Cooper was a very good fighter and a man who if you underestimated him, would surely make you regret it.. At the end of the day however, Bugner spent the larger portion of his career competing admirably against better fighters, showed more durability and ultimately retired with the better record... Nothing against Henry, but Joe was just a bit better....
