Memorabilia from one of British boxing’s most controversial fights is set to go under the hammer this week.
The championship belt, which was lost by the legendary boxer Henry Cooper, who lived in Kent, during the match on March 16, 1971, is just one item up for auction.
The nation’s darling, nicknamed ‘Our Enry’, was defending the heavyweight championship of Great Britain, Europe and the Commonwealth at the Empire Pool, Wembley in London, Cooper against young Hungarian-British pretender Joe Bugner.
In an incredibly close fight, the final result was down to the judges. Judge Gibbs came down on the side of the challenger, which sent the crowd into uproar.
Such was the anger, that Gibbs was escorted from the building under police escort.
Later, when interviewed by the press, Bugner was quoted as saying: “I won, but lost everything. I was hated for it, never allowed to forget it”.
As a result, Bugner emigrated to Australia in self-imposed exile, where he still lives.
Meanwhile, Cooper went on to become a much-loved media personality and lived out his later years in Hildenborough, Kent.
In 2000, he was knighted for his services to boxing and charitable causes. He died in 2011, aged 76.
The EBU Championship title that Bugner won that night is now being offered at auction by Bentley’s Auctioneers & Valuers in Cranbrook, Kent.
It is part of a small private collection of sporting memorabilia, which also includes a ticket from the notorious event, both of which are signed by Bugner and is owned by landlord Fergus Wilson.
The lot is expected to fetch between £800 and £1,200.
During the auction on Friday, July 4, other boxing items will also be sold.
These include the WBF World Heavyweight title belt won on July 4, 1998, by Bugner against James ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith, coincidentally, and photos signed by Bugner, Cooper, Frank Bruno and Muhammad Ali.
For more information, contact Robin Fletcher at Bentleys Auctioneers & Valuers on 01580 715857 or robinfletcher@bentleyskent.com.
