Henry Cooper vs Joe Bugner In 1971, one of the most controversial fights in British boxing history took place. Henry Cooper was defending his British, Commonwealth and European heavyweight titles against a young upcoming Joe Bugner. Bugner just 21 and 16 years his opponent's junior won a highly debated points decision at the Empire Pool. The fight depended on who won the 15th and final round. Cooper never really forgave the referee Harry Gibbs for awarding the fight to Bugner and he never fought