Australia's Joe Bugner will meet American James "Bone crusher" Smith on July 4th (US Independence Day) for the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) heavyweight title on the Gold Coast, south of Brisbane.

In boxing's version of the Roaring Forties, 48-year-old "Aussie Joe" Bugner will take on 43-yearold Smith at the Carrara indoor stadium, promoters International Sports Corporation said yesterday. Gold Coast-based Bugner said fighting an American on such a significant day as Independence Day was not a problem.

"I think it's great to fight him on Independence Day. It means a lot of people will be watching because I think the Yanks like this holiday ballyhoo sort of stuff," said Bugner.

Bugner boasts a career record of 67 wins, 13 losses and one draw.

It will be Bugner's second world title fight in a 30-year career.

Smith, who beat Tim Witherspoon in 1986 to win the World Boxing Association title, has a record of 43 wins, 15 losses and one draw.

Bugner, whose previous shot at a world title was a points loss to Muhammad Ali, said using American sparring partners would give him a better preparation than he had for last month's fight with Bob Mirovic when he successfully defended his Australian title in a split points decision.

"I think with Bonecrusher there is no turning back. It's either one way or out on a stretcher," said Bugner.