They call Joe Bugner 'Aussie Joe' in these parts, a term of affection for the one-time villain of British boxing who has been embraced as a hero Down Under.

The former European heavyweight is the picture of health, still talks as good a game as ever, and at he age of 50 is experiencing his first Olympics.

No, Bugner is not on another comeback trail. He finally retired last year and is in Sydney, down from his home on the Gold Coast, to commentate on the boxing for Australian television.

Bugner turned professional at the age of 17 so never fought at an Olympics which has caused him no loss of sleep.

"To be brutally honest I don't regret it one bit," he said.

Stress

"I see how the occasion gets to some of these young fighters and see how stressed they are, so keen are they to do the job and get their act together.

"I'm not being flippant because I think the Olympics is the greatest show on earth but I would rather fight for money than pieces of metal."

Bugner thinks the occasion got to Britain's light-heavyweight Courtney Fry who was well beaten by Charles Adamu of Ghana in the first round but feels super-heavyweight Audley Harrison will progress from his first fight on Saturday.

"I had high hopes for Courtney and I was disappointed but I know how he feels," said Bugner.

"Boxing can be very unpredictable and on the day he just did not have any fire in his belly and unfortunately he came unstuck. Boxing is a tough, tough sport.

"Audley, I also have high hopes for. He resembles Lennox Lewis and is in magnificent shape and I hope he goes into the running for medals."

Gold

After Harrison there are no other British fighters as the total team numbered two.

It has been 32 years since Chris Finnegan won the last gold for Britain in the ring but amateur boxing has a rich history in the UK and Bugner is saddened by its demise.

"At one time we would send ten to twelve boxers out. To have just two from Britain is a big surprise to me," he said.

It has been 16 years since he emigrated from Britain to enjoy a "beautiful life" in Australia.

TV work, after-dinner speaking and even movie engagements means he can afford to retire.

But old habits die hard and he still uses "we" when referring to the old country.

He plans a return trip soon and has ideas for himself and an old foe.

"I am hoping this year to go back to England and maybe hook up with Frank Bruno in panto as one of the ugly sisters. Can you imagine that - what a pair!"

Maybe the Wicked Witch would be more appropriate. There are plenty of people who 29 years on have still not forgiven him for beating Henry Cooper.