Panel: Gerry Cooney

Mauricio Sulaiman

Jill Diamond.

A Hastag which might be apt for the Great Gerry Cooney might well be what he and Larry Holmes agreed moments before the bell rang for their epic battle….”LET`S HAVE A GREAT FIGHT!”

So they did, but the even greater aspect, was following that fight, it was the start of a beautiful friendship which is flourishing to this day.  The very finest testament to the plurality and greatness of Boxing, with both focused on providing for their families.   Gerry and Larry  bump into each other at least fifteen times per year and are the best of friends.

Right now, Gerry is recovering from a fall walking the dog in which he tore his rotator cuff in four places on his left shoulder!  Nevertheless he`s staying in shape at home, and training one of his sons in boxing, doing some writing,  and also hosting weekly a radio show for twelve years. He`s also the author of a book entitled: Gentleman Gerry.

Gerry`s most stunning moment in boxing was the fifty four second KO of Ken Norton in 1981, with a humongous left to the body.  But April 21st 1988, was an even bigger KO victory because that`s the day he stopped  drinking alcohol, and moved forward with his life.  Gerry says: “When I had the alcohol in my body I felt great.  When the pressure got great, I thought I deserved a drink. I only hope  I can help people out with this problem.”  Also, no child should be hit in the home. Something Gerry had to endure during his childhood.

Gerry also talks about the current crop of heavyweights praising Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua on the comeback trail, Ruiz and emerging Dubois.  Gerry explains that he became involved in boxing after his brother left home at fifteen and started training at a gym and he himself became involved, winning championships. Ali and Frazier were also a major inspirational influence.

Talking about comebacks, Gerry says there is a certain age limit when it`s not possible.  Yet he says he would like to see a fight between De La Hoya and McGregor. Agreeing with Gerry about the sportsmanship of Boxing, Mauricio said: “Boxing is the perfect home for humanity. The whole world can meet in the center of the ring.” Gerry said: “At the end of the show we shake hands.”

Gerry`s choice of the greatest elements of Boxing are:

Hardest puncher: Earnie Shavers and George Foreman.

Jab: Larry Holmes.

Defence:  Floyd Mayweather.

Granite chin:  Randy “Tex” Cobb fighting, absorting and incredibly overcoming Earnie Shavers.

Body puncher:  Gerry Cooney.

Biggest heart: Wilfredo Benitez.

Hand speed: Muhammad Ali.  Gerry laughs as he remembers  Ali praising himself saying he could be in bed before the light was out, when he switched it!

Please go the link to learn more about the handsome smiling Gerry Cooney,  who has the most attractive kind hearted personality