Henry Cooper defended his Brisih, Commonwealth and European heavyweight titles against Joe Bugner

Date: March 16, 1971

Venue: Empire Pool, London

Cooper stance: orthodox

Bugner stance: orthodox

Henry Cooper turned pro in 1954 and was extremely prone to cuts around the eyes. His best win in the 1950s was a points decision against Zora Folley. Cooper won the British and Commonwealth titles in 1959, when he outpointed Brian London. He heald those titles for 12 years. Cooper is best known for his first fight with Muhammad Ali (then Casius Clay), when he flattened his opponent and was robbed of victory when Ali's corner demanded a glove be replaced because of a split in it. That fight ended a round later due to Cooper being cut around the eye. Cooper then won the vacant European belt with another points win over Brian London. He challenged Ali for the undisputed world title, but lost due to cuts again.A few months later, Cooper was stopped in four round by Floyd Patterson. Cooper then won his next seven fights.

Joe Bugner had to wait until his 21st birthday before he was allowed to challenge for the British title. By then, his record was 31-2-1 with 20 KOs. His best wins were a points win over Jack O'Halloran in 1969, a fifth round stoppage of Brian London a year later, and a third round stoppage of Chuck Wepner, also in 1970. His most recent bout was a ten round draw with journeyman Bill Drover.

For an in depth look at their respective records, visit:

Henry Cooper - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/9379

Joe Bugner - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/000924