Former world heavyweight championship title challenger, Gerry Cooney who fought during what is widely looked back upon as a ‘golden era’ for boxing.
He was unsuccessful in his attempt at the world title when he took on ‘The Easton Assassin’ Larry Holmes at the absolute height of his powers and put up a gallant effort pushing the legendary champion all the way into the 13th round.
I have a certain set of skills. @NYRangers @TheGarden pic.twitter.com/Diyniw1qJk
— Gerry Cooney (@gerrycooney) January 4, 2018
We’ve seen a startling turn of fortunes in the heavyweight division over the last two years.
We’ve seen a resurgence of game, young, come forward fighters take the baton from the prior era of Eastern European domination.
Such fighters like Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder, Joseph Parker as well as a few others take the limelight and garnering mass interest in the boxing world.
Cooney holds the belief that the heavyweight division is returning to the forefront of the sport once again.
Me and you @Michael_Buffer. 4 rounds. @trboxing @TheGarden @siriusxmboxing #lomarigo #boxing pic.twitter.com/6YTgpkR6fA
— Gerry Cooney (@gerrycooney) December 10, 2017
Additionally, the behemoth 6’7 lightning left hook knockout artist blamed the outspoken and braggadocio Don King for the demise of the division.
“Yeah, I’m hopeful,” Cooney told Boxing News. “Real heavyweights are coming back again.”
“I think that Don King raped and robbed the game so bad that a lot of those guys that would have gone to boxing went to football, baseball and basketball.”
“Now they’re trickling back.”
“Deontay Wilder, who’s a very exciting kid, he wants to fight everybody,” Cooney said. “But he hasn’t really been tested yet. I love that kid, I’m a big fan of his, but we have to see. Him and [Anthony] Joshua would be giant.”
With @DrewBarrymore. She told me “you’re the fighter, I’m a lover.” pic.twitter.com/UNhZ9yk7Uk
— Gerry Cooney (@gerrycooney) December 10, 2017
On a final note, Cooney had some words of praise for ‘The Gypsy King’ Tyson Fury. Cooney paid homage to the Englishman’s tactics and boxing knowledge.
“He kept him off balance,” Cooney said. “Klitschko was scared, he couldn’t get set.”
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