Joe Bugner vs Larry Middleton in a ten round non-title heavyweight bout
Date: November 24, 1971
Venue: Ice Rink, Nottingham
Bugner stance: orthodox
Middleton stance: orthodox
Just three days after his 21st birthday, Joe Bugner seemed to have the world at his feet. He had just won the British, Commonwealth and European heavyweight titles in a very close fight against Henry Cooper. Two months later he defended his European title against Jurgen Blinn, also winning on points. Four months later, he put all his belts on the line against Jack Bodell, and lost on points. Seven weeks later, he beat Mike Boswell on points in Texas, and just one week later he was sharing a ring in Nottingham with his latest opponent.
Larry Middleton turned pro in 1965. He drew his first bout, won his second and lost his third. He then won his next 15 bouts, and had a record of 16-1-1 with 10 KOs. There were no big names on his record, but Middleton had beaten some decent prospects. He was 6'5" and was definitely more than a "keep busy" opponent. How would Bugner cope with a boxer like Middleton after fighting in America a week before?
For an in depth look at their respective records, visit:
Joe Bugner - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/000924
Larry Middleton - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/15809
Date: November 24, 1971
Venue: Ice Rink, Nottingham
Bugner stance: orthodox
Middleton stance: orthodox
Just three days after his 21st birthday, Joe Bugner seemed to have the world at his feet. He had just won the British, Commonwealth and European heavyweight titles in a very close fight against Henry Cooper. Two months later he defended his European title against Jurgen Blinn, also winning on points. Four months later, he put all his belts on the line against Jack Bodell, and lost on points. Seven weeks later, he beat Mike Boswell on points in Texas, and just one week later he was sharing a ring in Nottingham with his latest opponent.
Larry Middleton turned pro in 1965. He drew his first bout, won his second and lost his third. He then won his next 15 bouts, and had a record of 16-1-1 with 10 KOs. There were no big names on his record, but Middleton had beaten some decent prospects. He was 6'5" and was definitely more than a "keep busy" opponent. How would Bugner cope with a boxer like Middleton after fighting in America a week before?
For an in depth look at their respective records, visit:
Joe Bugner - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/000924
Larry Middleton - https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/15809
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Sports