Purse problem unravels Bruno-Bugner fight

Press, 25 September 1987, Page 34

Purse problem unravels Bruno-Bugner fight

NZPA-AAP Sydney The former European heavyweight boxing champion Joe Bugner, aged 37, is reported to have broken ties with promoter Bill Mordey and looks set to accept an offer to fight former 1.8. F. world champion Michael Spinks in Las Vegas. Bugner told AAP he had received a conference call from Spinks and his promoter-manager Butch Lewis about the fight which could happen sometime between November and January. He had earlier rejected an offer to fight England’s Frank Bruno in London next month after receiving what he described as an unacceptable deal based on gate percentages. Bugner’s decision not to take up Bruno’s challenge seems to have led? to a

split with Mr Mordey who had arranged his three successful comeback. fights against James Tillis, David Bey and Greg Page. Mr , Mordey was < reported as saying in Sydney ; that he, was; disappointed Bugner had; not accepted the .offer tonight dealsfromnewop,”Mordey said. ' “As far as/I am cbn- ; cemed . he ; ,has ; retired himself.”, r. '■ Earlier ' Bugner said: “The Bruno camp wanted' me to fight for a percentage of the gate after net profits and I quickly told them if they don’t give me a set guarantee and one third of the television rights they don’t have a fight” “Now I am not asking anywhere near the $1 million everyone is quoting, but a percentage of

nothing is nothing. “After being in the boxing game for 20 years I’m not going on any gate percentages,” he said. "I have been after Bruno for five years but he has consistently refused to fight “Pwant the fight badly

. but at the right price and : with the Spinks offer I’m very good bargaining ■position." » / %Spihks was stripped of tse 1.8. F. title earlier this V wm/for -refusing to fight *• leading -;contenfier Tony wTfclfer^O/f, ’• / Meanwhdfe iin London, /promoter’£Bargy .Hearns IShas irfbacO basetfßugner’s jeriticisin /Sof? tie offered /deal to ; Tfigbt|Brund / ’V/' '■■■ t ; • < “I«m astonished by his attitude “me said, f ?/.- the figi& he. would earn in excess of £500,000 ($1,280,000). Bruno backed Mr Hearns: "For years now I have heard Joe Bugner ranting on’ about how I am no good and scared to go in the ring with him, but now I am sick of it,” he said. “I am ready, willing and waiting for him.”