BoxRec - User contributions [en]

Peter Gabbitus

2017-04-10T10:10:32Z

Mercman:

<boxer>27462</boxer>

Boxed for Elmfield House ABC and was an outstanding amateur winning Schools, NABC and Junior ABA titles. Gabbitus was expected to represent Great Britain at the 1980 Moscow Olympics but was encouraged to turn professional at the age of 17 by manager John Rushton. He had a professional career that spanned some 17 years but fought only sporadically and it would be fair to say that Gabbitus never fulfilled his potential in the paid ranks.

Joe Bugner

2017-01-27T13:39:34Z

Mercman:

[[File:JoeBugner73.jpg|left|thumb|300px]]
<boxer>924</boxer>
'''[[:Category:Joe Bugner Gallery|Joe Bugner Image Gallery]]'''

'''Joe Bugner''' came to Britain as a child refugee fleeing the Soviet invasion of Hungary in 1956. Before embarking on his boxing career Bugner was a talented athelete and was a junior AAA discus champion. Initially he started training at his local youth club to get fit for athletics and was encouraged to box competitively by the trainer, [[Andy Smith]]. After a few amateur fights Bugner turned professional at the age of 17 and at the age of 21 he won the British, European and Commonwealth heavyweight titles.

In 1975 Bugner challenged [[Muhammad Ali]] for the world heavyweight title, but lost on points. He had previously gone the distance with both Ali and Joe Frazier two years before that. Bugner also fought many other top fighters - including [[Jimmy Ellis]], [[Ron Lyle]], [[Earnie Shavers]], [[Greg Page]] and James Bonecrusher Smith - in a career which was littered with retirements, comebacks and, arguably, he never fulfiled his true potential.

Notably, Bugner spent the latter part of his boxing career in Australia. Known as 'Aussie Joe', Bugner managed to win the [[World Boxing Federation|WBF]] title at the age of 48.

In a colourful life Bugner has also lived in the USA, had an acting career, many business interests and worked as a TV commentator and presenter. Bugner was never really popular in Britain - some say this was due to his controversial win over [[Henry Cooper]] in Cooper's last fight, some say it was because he was often frustrating to watch and frequently overly defensive - but achieved celebrity status Down Under after leaving the UK.

Bugner's son [[J.A. Bugner]] also fought as a professional.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bugner, Joe}}
[[Category:Commonwealth Boxing Council Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:Boxing Media]]
[[Category:Actors]]

Joe Bugner

2008-05-21T14:23:53Z

Mercman:

[[file:Bugner.joe.jpg|left]][[file:FraizerBugner.jpg|right|thumb|Joe Frazier & Bugner]]
<boxer>000924</boxer>
 
Joe Bugner came to Britain as a child refugee fleeing the Soviet invasion of Hungary in 1956. Before embarking on his boxing career Bugner was a talented athelete and was a junior AAA discus champion. Initially he started training at his local youth club to get fit for athletics and was encouraged to box competitively by the trainer, Andy Smith. After a few amateur fights Bugner turned professional at the age of 17 and at the age of 21 he won the British, European and Commonwealth heavyweight titles. In 1975 Bugner challenged [[Muhammad Ali]] for the world heavyweight title, but lost on points. He had previously gone the distance with both Ali and Joe Frazier two years before that. Bugner also fought many other top fighters - including Jimmy Ellis, Ron Lyle, Earnie Shavers, Greg Page and James Bonecrusher Smith - in a career which was littered with retirements, comebacks and, arguably, he never fulfiled his true potential.

Notably, Bugner spent the latter part of his boxing career in Australia. Known as 'Aussie Joe', Bugner managed to win the [[WBF]] title at the age of 48. In a colourful life has also lived in the USA, had an acting career, many business interests and worked as a TV commentator and presenter. Bugner was never really popular in Britain - some say this was due to his controversial win over Henry Cooper in Cooper's last fight{{fact}}; others say it was because he was often frustrating to watch and frequently overly defensive - but achieved celebrity status Down Under after leaving the UK. He is also the father of former boxer [[J.A. Bugner]].

*Photo:[http://www.antekprizering.com/bugner83sp.jpeg]

Dave Croft

2007-06-13T14:03:22Z

Mercman:

Boxed for Doncaster Plant Works ABC as an amateur and was managed by John Rushton as a professional.

Glen Stevens

2007-06-13T14:01:59Z

Mercman:

<boxer>66741</boxer>

'''Glen Stevens''' was a talented track and field athlete and bodybuilder in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was on this basis he was encouraged to box under the management of [[John Rushton]] - despite a total lack of amateur experience. He also had an interest in American football and it is believed that Stevens relocated to the USA later in the 1980s.

Glen Stevens

2007-06-11T14:38:32Z

Mercman:

<boxer>66741</boxer>
Glen Stevens was a talented track and field athlete and bodybuilder in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was on this basis he was encouraged to box under the management of John Rushton depite a total lack of amateur experience. It is believed that Glen relocated to the USA later in the 1980s.

Joe Awome

2007-06-11T08:46:32Z

Mercman:

<boxer>022682</boxer>

* Boxed for Woking ABC as an amateur and in 1978 won the ABA heavyweight title. Represented England in the 1978 Commonwealth Games and won the Gold Medal.
* In retirement became manager of Ska group 'The Specials'.
* Died January 1995.

[[Category:ABA Champions|Awome, Joe]]

Tommy Joyce

2007-06-07T18:28:58Z

Mercman:

Won a bronze medal for Scotland at the 1970 Commonwealth Games. In retirement he became noted for marathon and ultra-distance running through which he raised a great deal of money for charity.

Neil Malpass

2007-06-01T14:20:49Z

Mercman:

<boxer>22460</boxer> 
As an amateur Malpass was Northern Counties heavyweight champion and, after winning 10 of his first eleven professional fights (8 inside the distance), was seen as a heavyweight prospect for a while. However, ultimately he did not break through at the top level and became a 'journeyman' type fighter travelling all over Britain and Europe as an 'opponent' for up and coming fighters. Career highlights include taking former European heavyweight champion and [[WBC]] title challenger [[Alfredo Evangelista]] the distance, stoppage wins over Northern Ireland heavyweight champion [[Sean McKenna]] and former British heavyweight champion [[Danny McAlinden]] and two fights (one draw and one win by disqualification) against the notorious [[Paul Sykes]] in Central Area championship fights. Malpass was Central Area heavyweight champion on three occasions with his last fight for the title against [[John Fury|Gypsy John Fury]] - a Yorkshire v Lancashire match-up - billed as the 'War of the Roses'.

Neil Malpass

2007-06-01T14:20:32Z

Mercman:

<boxer>22460</boxer> 
As an amateur Malpass was Northern Counties heavyweight champion and, after winning 10 of his first eleven professional fights (8 inside the distance), was seen as a heavyweight prospect for a while. However, ultimately he did not break through at the top level and became a 'journeyman' type fighter travelling all over Britain and Europe as an 'opponent'for up and coming fighters. Career highlights include taking former European heavyweight champion and [[WBC]] title challenger [[Alfredo Evangelista]] the distance, stoppage wins over Northern Ireland heavyweight champion [[Sean McKenna]] and former British heavyweight champion [[Danny McAlinden]] and two fights (one draw and one win by disqualification) against the notorious [[Paul Sykes]] in Central Area championship fights. Malpass was Central Area heavyweight champion on three occasions with his last fight for the title against [[John Fury|Gypsy John Fury]] - a Yorkshire v Lancashire match-up - billed as the 'War of the Roses'.

Dave Croft

2007-05-23T15:38:26Z

Mercman:

Boxed for Doncaster Plant Works ABC as an amateur.

Human:79457

2007-05-23T15:35:20Z

Mercman:

Boxed for Elmfield House ABC as an amateur and was managed by John Rushton as a professional. Step-brother of former Junior ABA champion and fellow professional Peter Gabbitus.

Peter Gabbitus

2007-05-23T14:38:07Z

Mercman:

<boxer>27462</boxer>

Boxed for Elmfield House ABC and was an outstanding amateur winning Schools, NABC and Junior ABA titles. Gabbitus was expected to represent Great Britain at the 1980 Moscow Olympics but was encouraged to turn professional at the age of 17 by manager John Rushton. He had a professional career that spanned some 17 years but fought only sporadically and, despite great expectations, never fulfilled his potential in the paid ranks.

Heino Pika

2007-05-22T12:29:08Z

Mercman:

A talented amateur who twice won national schools titles as a junior. Older brother of former heavyweight prospect, the late Rudi Pika.

Heino Pika

2007-05-22T12:28:35Z

Mercman:

A talented amateur who twice won national schools titles as a junior. Older brother of heavyweight prospect Rudi Pika.

Rudi Pika

2007-05-22T12:26:03Z

Mercman:

<boxer>22576</boxer> 
Rudi Pika was an outstanding amateur who as a junior won the national schools title before representing his country at international level and going on to win the senior Welsh title at heavyweight, aged just 17. He was also [[ABA]] runner-up twice at heavyweight; on the second occasion dropping a controversial points decision to future [[WBC]] champion [[Frank Bruno]]. Pika turned professional under the management of [[Mickey Duff]] at 18 and at the time was rated as a real prospect. Some predicted a re-match with Bruno once both had entered the paid ranks. However, despite being undefeated as a professional, he was not active enough to really fulfill his potential and Pika had drifted out of the sport by his mid-20s. Tragically he took his own life shortly after this. Rudi's brother Heino Pika also boxed, both at amateur and professional level.

Rudi Pika

2007-05-22T12:23:34Z

Mercman:

<boxer>22576</boxer> 
Rudi Pika was an outstanding amateur who as a junior won the national schools title before representing his country at international level and going on to win the senior Welsh title at heavyweight, aged just 17 and retained it the following year. He was also [[ABA]] runner-up twice at heavyweight; on the second occasion dropping a controversial points decision to future [[WBC]] champion [[Frank Bruno]]. Pika turned professional under the management of [[Mickey Duff]] at 18 and at the time was rated as a real prospect. Some predicted a re-match with Bruno once both had entered the paid ranks. However, despite being undefeated as a professional, he was not active enough to really fulfill his potential and Pika had drifted out of the sport by his mid-20s. Tragically he took his own life shortly after this.

Neil Malpass

2007-05-18T07:29:16Z

Mercman:

As an amateur Malpass was Northern Counties heavyweight champion and, after winning 10 of his first eleven professional fights (8 inside the distance), was seen as a heavyweight prospect for a while. However, ultimately he did not break through at the top level and became a 'journeyman' type fighter travelling all over Britain and Europe as an 'opponent'.Career highlights include taking former European heavyweight champion and WBC title challenger Alfredo Evangelista the distance, stoppage wins over Northern Ireland heavyweight champion Sean McKenna and former British heavyweight champion Danny McAlinden and two fights (one draw and one win by disqualification) against the notorious Paul Sykes in Central Area championship fights. Malpass was Central Area heavyweight champion on three occasions with his last fight for the title against Gypsy John Fury - a Yorkshire v Lancashire match-up - billed as the 'War of the Roses'.

Rudi Pika

2007-05-18T07:25:25Z

Mercman:

Rudi Pika was an outstanding amateur who as a junior won the national schools title before representing his country at international level and going on to win the senior Welsh title at heavyweight, aged just 17. He was also ABA runner-up twice at heavyweight; on the second occasion dropping a controversial points decision to future WBC champion Frank Bruno. Pika turned professional under the management of Mickey Duff at 18 and at the time was rated as a real prospect. However, despite being undefeated as a professional, he was not active enough to really fulfill his potential and Pika had drifted out of the sport by his mid-20s. Tragically he took his own life shortly after this.

Neil Malpass

2007-05-17T14:36:58Z

Mercman:

As an amateur Malpass was Northern Counties heavyweight champion and, after winning 10 of his first eleven professional fights (8 inside the distance), was seen as a heavyweight prospect for a while. However, ultimately he did not break through at the top level and became a 'journeyman' type fighter travelling all over Britain and Europe as an 'opponent'.Career highlights include taking former European heavyweight champion and WBC title challenger Alfredo Evangelista the distance, a stoppage win over former British heavyweight champion Danny McAlinden and two fights (one draw and one win by disqualification) against the notorious Paul Sykes in Central Area championship fights. Malpass was Central Area heavyweight champion on three occasions with his last fight for the title against Gypsy John Fury - a Yorkshire v Lancashire match-up - billed as the 'War of the Roses'.

Human:85928

2007-05-17T14:30:21Z

Mercman:

Boxed for Elmfield House ABC as an amateur and was managed by John Rushton as a professional.

Human:22806

2007-05-17T14:26:55Z

Mercman:

A colourful character whose activities after boxing included running his own private security firm and becoming a Jehovah's Witness.

Rudi Pika

2007-05-17T10:50:22Z

Mercman:

Rudi Pika was an outstanding amateur who as a junior won the national schools title before representing his country at international level and going on to win the senior Welsh title at heavyweight, aged just 17. He was also ABA runner-up twice at heavyweight; on the second occasion dropping a controversial points decision to future WBC champion Frank Bruno. Pika turned professional under the management of Mickey Duff at 18 and at the time was rated as a real prospect. However, despite being undefeated, he was not active enough to really fulfill his potential and Pika had drifted out of the sport by his mid-20s. Tragically he took his own life shortly after this.

Joe Bugner

2007-05-16T21:52:46Z

Mercman:

[[file:Bugner.joe.jpg|left]][[file:FraizerBugner.jpg|right|thumb|Joe Frazier & Bugner]]
<boxer>000924</boxer>
 
Joe Bugner came to Britain as a child refugee fleeing the Soviet invasion of Hungary in 1956. Before his boxing career Bugner was a talented athelete and was a junior AAA discus champion. In a professional career which started at the age of 17, Bugner won the British, European and Commonwealth heavyweight titles and in 1975 he challenged [[Muhammad Ali]] for the world heavyweight title, but lost on points. He had previously gone the distance with both Ali and Joe Frazier two years before that.

Notably Bugner spent the latter part of his boxing career in Australia. Known as 'Aussie Joe', Bugner managed to win the [WBF] title at the age of 48. He is the father of boxer [[J.A. Bugner]] and in a colourful life has also lived in the USA, had an acting career,had many business interests and worked as a TV commentator and presenter. Bugner was never really popular in Britain - some say this was due to his controversial win over Henry Cooper in Cooper's last fight; others say it was because he was often frustrating to watch and frequently overly defensive - but achieved celebrity status Down Under after leaving the UK.

*Photo:[http://www.antekprizering.com/bugner83sp.jpeg]

Joe Bugner

2007-05-16T21:51:49Z

Mercman:

[[file:Bugner.joe.jpg|left]][[file:FraizerBugner.jpg|right|thumb|Joe Frazier & Bugner]]
<boxer>000924</boxer>
 
Joe Bugner came to Britain as a child refugee fleeing the Soviet invasion of Hungary in 1956. Before his boxing career Bugner was a talented athelete and was a junior AAA discus champion. In a professional career which started at the age of 17, Bugner won the British, European and Commonwealth heavyweight titles and in 1975 he challenged [[Muhammad Ali]] for the world heavyweight title, but lost on points. He had previously gone the distance with both Ali and Joe Frazier two years before that.

Notably Bugner spent the latter part of his boxing career in Australia. Known as 'Aussie Joe', Bugner managed to win the [WBF] title at the age of 48. He is the father of boxer [[J.A. Bugner]]and in a colourful life has also lived in the USA, had an acting career, business interests and worked as a TV commentator and presenter. Bugner was never really popular in Britain - some say this was due to his controversial win over Henry Cooper in Cooper's last fight; others say it was because he was often frustrating to watch and frequently overly defensive - but achieved celebrity status Down Under after leaving the UK.

*Photo:[http://www.antekprizering.com/bugner83sp.jpeg]

Les Stevens

2007-05-16T21:35:08Z

Mercman:

ABA heavyweight champion before turning professional.

Neil Malpass

2007-05-16T21:32:03Z

Mercman:

As an amateur Malpass was Northern Counties heavyweight champion and, after winning 10 of his first eleven professional fights (8 inside the distance), was seen as a heavyweight prospect for a while. However, ultimately he did not break through at the top level and became a 'journeyman' type fighter. Career highlights include a stoppage win over former British heavyweight champion Danny McAlinden and two fights (one draw and one win by disqualification) against the notorious Paul Sykes in Central Area championship fights. Malpass was Central Area heavyweight champion on three occasions with his last fight for the title against Gypsy John Fury - a Yorkshire v Lancashire match-up - billed as the 'War of the Roses'.

Funso Banjo

2007-05-16T21:11:40Z

Mercman:

[[file:Banjo funso.jpg|left|photo]]
<boxer>003143</boxer>
 
As an amateur Banjo won the Eastern Counties Heavyweight Title in 1978, and was the runner-up in 1980. Reportedly, the son of a Nigerian prince.

Rudi Pika

2007-05-16T21:08:58Z

Mercman:

Rudi Pika was an outstanding amateur who as a junior won the national schools title before going on to win the senior Welsh title at heavyweight, aged just 17. He was also ABA runner-up twice at heavyweight; on the second occasion dropping a controversial points decision to future WBC champion Frank Bruno. Pika turned professional under the management of Mickey Duff at 18 and at the time was rated as a real prospect. However, despite being undefeated, he was not active enough to really fulfill his potential and Pika had drifted out of the sport by his mid-20s. Tragically he took his own life shortly after this.

Rudi Pika

2007-05-16T21:07:21Z

Mercman:

Rudi Pika was an outstanding amateur who as a junior won the national schools title before going on to win the senior Welsh title at heavyweight, aged just 17. He was also ABA runner-up twice at heavyweight; on the second occasion dropping a controversial points decision to future WBC champion Frank Bruno. Pika turned professional under the mnagement of Mickey Duff at 18 and at the time was rated as a real prospect. However, despite being undefeated he was not active enough to fulfill his potential and Pika had drifted out of the sport by his mid-20s. Tragically he took his own life shortly after this.

Adam Fogerty

2007-05-16T16:46:22Z

Mercman:

Played professional Rugby League for several top clubs including St. Helens and Halifax after retiring from boxing and went on to have a successful acting career, specialising in playing 'heavies' on TV and in film. Fogerty's screen performances include roles in British films 'Up and Under'; 'Snatch' and 'Mean Machine' among others.

Adam Fogerty

2007-05-16T16:45:58Z

Mercman:

Played professional Rugby league for several top clubs including St. Helens and Halifax after retiring from boxing and went on to have a successful acting career, specialising in playing 'heavies' on TV and in film. Fogerty's screen performances include roles in British films 'Up and Under'; 'Snatch' and 'Mean Machine' among others.

John Fury

2007-05-16T16:40:45Z

Mercman:

Part of a well known family of fighting travellers which includes former professionals Peter and Hugh Fury. John's son Tyson Fury is currently a heavyweight prospect at amateur level. As well as professional boxing 'Gypsy'John Fury was also a well known bare knuckle fighter.

Human:140285

2007-05-16T15:10:31Z

Mercman:

Inactive 1966.

A competitive marathon runner after finishing with boxing.

Glen Stevens

2007-05-16T14:03:46Z

Mercman:

Was a talented track and field athelete and bodybuilder in the late 1970s and early 1980s and on this basis was encouraged to box depite a lack of amateur experience.

Peter Gabbitus

2007-05-16T13:57:47Z

Mercman:

<boxer>27462</boxer>

Boxed for Elmfield House ABC and had a successful amateur career winning Schools, NABC and Junior ABA titles. Gabbitus was expected to represent Great Britain at the 1980 Moscow Olympics but was encouraged to turn professional at the age of 17 by manager John Rushton. He had a professional career that spanned some 17 years but fought only sporadically and, despite great expectations, never fulfilled his potential in the paid ranks.

Peter Gabbitus

2007-05-15T14:14:44Z

Mercman:

Had a successful amateur career winning Schools, NABC and Junior ABA titles and was expected to represent Great Britain at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Instead he turned professional at the age of 17 and despite great expectations never fulfilled his potential in the paid ranks.

Peter Gabbitus

2007-05-15T14:10:24Z

Mercman:

Had a successful amateur career winning Schools, NABC and Junior ABA titles before turning professional at the age of 17.