Joe Bugner has decided that the World Boxing Federation (WBF) version of the world heavyweight title is as inconsequential as most people think it is. His 32-year boxing career was supposed to end in June and a suitable farewell contest arranged. But the WBF beat Bugner to it and stripped the 49-year-old of the title because even this dubious body felt the ageing puncher was not a worthy holder of the belt.

Instead they have installed American Joe Hipp, a washed-up brawler, as their number one contender. That alone tells you much about the WBF.