In a stunning and deeply personal attack, boxing legend Joe Bugner has unleashed a torrent of fury against Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe, branding him a "gutless worm" for his portrayal in the 2005 film Cinderella Man.
The former heavyweight contender, who fought the likes of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, has broken a nearly two-decade silence on the Ron Howard-directed picture. The film chronicles the life of Depression-era fighter James J. Braddock, played by Crowe.
Bugner's rage stems from a specific scene where Crowe's Braddock is shown defeating a character named Primo Carnera. The Australian-born boxer claims this is a gross historical inaccuracy and a direct slight against him, as he was a close friend and former sparring partner of the real Carnera.
"He had the audacity to have a scene where he beat up Primo Carnera, who was one of the gentlest men I've ever known," Bugner fumed in an exclusive interview. "I call Russell Crowe a gutless worm. He wouldn't say it to my face."
The 73-year-old pugilist didn't stop there. He challenged the Gladiator star to a physical confrontation, vehemently stating that the actor would lack the courage to repeat the alleged slander in person.
Bugner's connection to Carnera is not just professional but deeply personal. He revealed poignant details of their friendship, including how the Italian former world champion, who stood at a formidable 6ft 6in, would lovingly make him coffee and share stories from his own career during their time together at a training camp in Italy.
This explosive interview reveals the long-simmering resentment held by a sporting icon who feels a friend's legacy was tarnished for cinematic drama, setting the record straight with the ferocity of a championship bout.
