His victory over Greg Page suggested at even 37, Bugner was as good as ever... Frank's style, added to Bugner's refusal to up the pace, leads me to think Bruno would nearly always have Joe's number.
I would still go with Frank Bruno. I agree with TBooze, Bruno would have Bugner's number prime or not.
This fight is a very tough call. Their 1987 didn't tell us a whole lot because at age 37, and at 30 lbs. above his prime fighting weight, Bugner was an older, slower version of his former self. That's why he was hit by the fight ending punch in the eighth round. Still, until the end, Bugner didn't do so badly, as he boxed very competently despite losing rounds to Bruno. If they had met in their primes, I'm slightly inclined to pick Bruno. This is because Bugner tended to back up and play defense when confronted by big, powerful, strong guys who were also world class fighters. The fight would have gone the distance, and I'm thinking Bruno might have won a close decision.
1987 is a different fighter to the one in 1973. In 1973 Bugner lost by 2 points or 2 rounds to Joe Frazier who was alot more powerful than Frank Bruno. The same year against Ali he lost by 3 points or 3 rounds to the Greatest of all time. I like Frank but in 1973 Bugner were i believe was at his best loses just to 2 of the best weve seen. Bruno wouldnt have lasted 5 rounds with Joe Frazier in 1973 not even a Prime Bruno.
