Boxing: Bugner 'still going strong'

Joe Bugner, the former British heavyweight champion, regained the Australian title yesterday at the age of 47 beating Colin Wilson in a unanimous points decision.

In front of a crowd of more than 2,400 on the Gold Coast, Bugner won the title from the 25-year-old after the judges scored it 119-109, 119- 109, 119-109. Despite the win, the former Commonwealth and European champion, who relinquished his Australian title more than 12 months ago, insisted that 1998 would be his last year in the ring.

"I was pleasantly surprised at my stamina - nearly 48 years old and I'm going strong," Bugner said of the 12-round bout. "But, I've got to be honest with you, this is going to be my last year because the kids are getting younger and I'm getting older, and I don't know how long the stamina's going to hold out."

Bugner is unsure whether he will fight again before retiring, but would still like to end his career against the ex-world heavyweight champion George Foreman.