Was never really accepted by the British boxing fans after beating Henry Cooper to win the British Heavyweight title in 1971. A controversial points decision by the narrowest margin although many writers thought the decision correct. Fought Ali twice and Frazier, the Frazier fight was one of his best and only a narrow points defeat. He was one of those boxers you always felt could have been capable of beating the best but never really was aggressive enough. That said he competed in the greatest era of heavyweight boxing and was never disgraced. RIP...
RIP Joe. Never the most exciting boxer but went the distance with Ali twice and never shied away from fighting the best around.
This is what the BBC wrote: “Former heavyweight boxer Joe Bugner has died at the age of 75. Bugner twice held the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles and was a three-time European heavyweight champion. He faced Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in back-to-back bouts in 1973, before facing Ali again - for the world title - in 1975. "It is with great sadness that the former British, European and Commonwealth heavyweight champion, and world championship contender Joe Bugner has passed away at his care home in Brisbane, Australia," said the British Boxing Board of Control. "The British Boxing Board of Control passes on its condolences to Joe's family." I always felt that if he’d had a ‘really nasty streak’ in him, he’d have been a serious contender - he had all the attributes. RIP Joe
Thoughts and prayers with those who died and were injured in the funicular crash in Lisbon last evening.....
A good comeback to win the bronze but would always be in Hemery's shadow, RIP... Hemery visited our school later that year with his medal, he was a big guy...
RIP Breakfast in America was one of the albums that I "stole" off my dad when I was a kid and I played regularly - along with Night at the Opera by Queen
RIP Rick. 'Crime of the Century' was the album that made the band big time in 1974 just after the band had some personnel changes. The two main characters were Davies and Roger Hodgson who took them in a new direction and subsequent worldwide success. Like many bands of that era it ended in legal wrangles over songwriting royalties between Hodgson and the rest of the band with Hodgson winning the case. You could say he was 'Bloody Well Right'...
Had my dog put down last week - probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Thankfully feeling brighter today and looking forward to heading to Wrexham this weekend with the boy for some football therapy.
