JOE BUGNER, the British heavyweight who took Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier the distance, has died at the age of 75.

Hungary-born Bugner was starved of affection in Britain after sending national treasure Henry Cooper into retirement with a debated points win in 1971 to capture the British, Commonwealth and European crowns.

Twice outpointed by Ali, the second time when challenging for the world heavyweight title, and once by Frazier, Bugner also came up short against Rob Lyle, Earnie Shavers and Frank Bruno.

A career spanning 32 years ended once and for all in 1999, by which time he had relocated to Australia, where he spent the final years of his life in a care home after being diagnosed with dementia.

The British Boxing Board of Control said: “It is with great sadness that the former British, European, Commonwealth heavyweight champion and World Championship contender Joe Bugner has passed away at his care home in Brisbane, Australia.

“The British Boxing Board of Control passes on its condolences to Joe’s family.”

Bugner won 69 of his 83 contests with 13 defeats and one draw.