Bugner's fight to fight

Boxing

JOE BUGNER has attacked the British Boxing Board of Control for hindering his attempts to fight in this country. The former European champion, now an Australian citizen, is hoping to fly into Britain to meet Scott Welch next month for the Commonwealth title in a bout staged by promoter Frank Warren.

But the 45-year-old yesterday criticised the Board for the demands they are making before he is given the all-clear to face Welch. Bugner has beaten Australia's Vince Cervi and, in Perth last night, American West Turner in the first two fights of his latest comeback. But the Board have insisted on watching a video of the fight against Turner and will seek medical assurances before sanctioning Bugner's British return.

Bugner said: "I don't understand the reasoning behind it. Do they think Australia is some little place in the backwoods? I have had to undergo a very rigorous examination before being allowed to fight Down Under.''