Henry Cooper vs Joe Bugner revisited Steve Bunce remembers Henry Cooper vs Joe Bugner, an unforgettable night in British boxing, 50 years on IT was just eight nights after the Fight of the Century, another night in a business so remote it is often hard to understand. The fighters, promoters, trainers, managers, the man in the middle and the press were all witnesses to the unforgettable night Henry Cooper and Joe Bugner fought. It was March 16, 1971 and the British, Commonwealth and European titles were the side issue on that Tuesday night. The British public watched and waited; Princess Anne was on red alert.