I love the tone of these videos. There’s no judgment and no favouritism but also no hiding the flaws. The overwhelming feeling you’re left with is a powerful sense of what remarkable individuals boxers are, for good bad and everything in between
I was 10 in 1982 when Holmes vs Cooney was live on HBO. First Boxing I’d ever watched and I immediately fell in love with the sport. The whole spectacle of it all. The puncher vs the Boxer. All of it I absorbed quickly.
Not true ernie shavers ko of Norton was worse even Forman ko of Norton th I s guy beat ageing fighters a old George Forman almost killed this man you Wana see worse ko Forman verse Cooney
I'm a Long Islander so I knew how good Cooney was and could have been. He fought one of my hometown guys in the GG/amateurs. He gave the great Larry Holmes a better fight than most of the guys from the 80s. His weakness... his managers the aptly named wacko twins. They are the ones who started the whyte hope garbage. He is a good solid guy as a person. Good tribute. Again.
Cooney could've been a World Champion but if what his trainers have said is to be believed then he didn't work hard enough on learning new skills inside the ring.. He barely used his right hand, his jab was attrocious and his left hand was wayward too much of the time. It's a damn shame bcos we had to wait for Tyson Dury to come along to have somebody with real gas in this division. I was a huge Mike Tyson boxing fan but I also knew that if Holyfield survived the 1st 6 rounds of their 1st fight that Tyson would be broke down and beaten up. It killed me having to admit that fact.. Shame Tyson didn't have better people around him during his career..
The promoters didn't believe in him at all they were just building him up for a payday. He had much more potential than either he or his promoters believed.
Agreed,I also didn't care for Victor Valli, he never fully developed Gerry,always one dimensional, old films were nice,sandy sadler,Huntington train station.
I lived less than a quarter mile from his bar. My friend was a bartender there. Never got in. All My friends went to school with him. He was known as a very generous guy.. H3e gets ex boxers union jobs on the docks so they can have a pension, healthcare and a life. Great man.
You put together the best boxing documentaries on the internet, which are as good as anything seen on tv or any medium. Living on Long Island, I have a memory of Cooney being introduced at a local boxing match at his peak before the Holmes fight. He made a good account of himself , Holmes said the body shots really hurt him.
I'm so glad Gerry grew so much as an elder statesman in the sport and found his voice and passion. In the ring in the early 1980s, he was a mess hyped as the white hope, brutalized by a cruel father into never believing in himself and it showed many times in the ring. For all of his size and strength, he was often muscled in the ring by much smaller fighters. In the fight against Jimmy Young, he was pushed into corners and against the ropes by an overweight, ageing contender who was known for his lack of power. Against Michael Spinks, he was bullied again so much so that Alex Wallau said in round 5 "...it's amazing that someone who in essence is a blown up light heavyweight, Michael Spinks, is pushing Gerry Cooney all over the ring." That was his father's legacy on full display. When Gerry was hurt in the ring, he was gone. He would become completely passive, not defend himself and would take his beating. After Foreman knocked him down in round 2, Gerry got up, walked over to George at ring center and stood there waiting for Big George to execute him. Gerry also had a strange tic in the ring. When hurt or knocked down, he would instinctively start fumbling with his boxing shorts' beltline, tugging and straightening it. I'm sure any experienced fighter saw it as a tell Gerry was seriously hurt and ready to go. He never fought a legitimate threat except for Holmes. In retrospect today, he says he should have been challenged more with tougher fights so he could have grown into a more durable fighter with an aggressive mindset. I agree. His managers squeezed as much as they could out of their white heavyweight investment with absolute minimal risk.
That was their duty, make money fur everyone involved. Mike and Dennis savvy before Tyson’s original management came along. Perfect matchmaking. Dino was not the sane guy who beat Scottie LeDoux, but still formidable, Yoong was on the comeback after besting contender Racette (or that Alaskan contender), Kenny still had enough gas to go on vs Cobb. Add King to that mix, you had a great match up vs Larry. Though many will recall Cooney stayed out post fight x 2 years, he simply lost the will to go on at peak level succumbing to his demons.
Gerry can be proud that his left hook to the body is one boxings all time greatest punches. I`ll never forget what George Foreman said hours after their bout:, " Midway through the first round Cooney threw a left hook, I blocked it with my right arm. The power went through my arm, into my body and within seconds left me feeling dizzy." That is awesome power.
Cooney was what 6’6” or 6’7” ? That long armed left hook was like a freaking wrecking ball. Tremendous power. I’m not sure that Young and Lyle were quit as washed up as people claim. I think they just got caught with these shots like what Foreman described and it shut them down.
While absolutely true, in all fairness George says stuff like this about almost all his opponents lol Imagine If Gerry was in the gym more then the bar room, He had crushing power especially in his left hook, even though his forearms etc. were thin in comparison to the monsters he went up against.
Foreman always praised his opponents. Another reason to respect him as a good man. He was just nice to a fellow. He said similar things about Frazier aswell. Another left hook.
That was a really good story! I remember Cooney. I didn’t know how sad he was and what he went through. His Dad really damaged him. Me and my father clashed but I never doubted he cared for me. Later in life I learned he loved me. A man needs that fatherly love🙏❤️
@TFB97 I love this debate. So. 1 usyk and fury are very tricky but not essentially big punchers 2 dubois the jury is still out. Gerry would wreck joshua same as norton 3gerrys losses were against hall of farmers holmes foreman spinks 4didgerry have a chin good point I think the answer is in gentleman gerry book. Deep lack of confidence not helped by alcohol substance abuse 5 gerry punched in combos as did70s heavies lets not think about a peak liston v today I diverse could gerry be the man today respect your viewpoint and maybe sadly we'll never know but that's the fun of the debate. Take care
I cannot express how much I appreciate your work. The production value, the facts, the amount of research and editing. Just amazing! And the stories behind these athletes are so inspiring. At 51 years old I'm finding new and true inspiration. Thank you.
I love Victor Valle, one of the most devoted and honest men ever, in and out of the ring. Tearful at 33:29, Victor showing who he was. Mike and Dennis selected the absolute best person to pursue that dream of a title.
Mike and Dennis matched him so carefully I don’t think Jerry had confidence in himself. Angelo Dundee said that as did Gil Clancy. Mike and Dennis were not boxing guys. He was too protected.
Bullshit. Dundee and Mr Clancy (great as they were) were jealous of Dennis and Mikes exquisite managing, all boxing backstabbed were. Cooneys issues (many not discussed) we’re personal. In that he was carefully matched to gain the big money fights is testament to savvy team running the show. Avoiding Kings fellow young heavys (Greg, Dokes, Mercado) was genius in that everyone wound up set for $$$$$ life.
@@bennyadler5882 without resorting to profanity Benny I respectfully disagree. I’m glad Jerry is set for life. He’s a nice guy. And I don’t know the mind set of Angelo or Clancy. So by your opinion they knew Jerry was not capable of winning the title. No wonder he had no confidence.
@@GilturnerknocksoutphonyFloyd (Mike and Dennis), not at all. Those two fully expected , while Victor Valle hoped Gerry to overpower either Coetzee or Mike Weaver (WBA), Larry a whole other matter. Dennis/Mike challenged more established title holder's promoter (King). I think Larry had already struggled vs Hercules a year and 1/2 earlier for the bigger $$$$. That Gerry "failed" to the peaking Easton Assassin, the best in the game in that era, was nothing to be ashamed of. Confidence may not have been the "key", that "key" may have just been Larry, (and later) Mike Spinks' abilities. Dennis/Mike accomplished what few top fight managers could do, make the huge $$$$ with the talent they had nurtured and supported. All good.
@@bennyadler5882 Good fiscally for Gerry and them but bad for the sport. Low risk matchmaking for maximum return has been the catalyst for the mess heavyweight boxing is today. Tyson Fury??? Give me a break. Fat, powder puffed punching uncoordinated glass jawed fraud.
thank you mr rich for all you do and this wonderful doc. full of goats. the closing pic is a great tribute to brotherhood and was nice to see. bless you sir
I always wondered what Cooney could have been if he had stayed as a natural southpaw and developed his right as a jab. The leverage he would have had on the left would have then been truly incredible. With that reach, look out! Maybe they thought he did not have the boxing IQ to do the things a southpaw has to. His mental doubts would have been a problem either way.
I think if he could have gone to the Olympic trials in 1976 it would have done wonders for his confidence. At least he would have been exposed to world class training and mingled with the up and comers.
George Forman honored Cooney as one of the hardest punchers he's ever been hit by. You've earned my sub Sir. I'm honored to watch your amazing content.
"Gentleman" Gerry Cooney PRO record: 28-3-0, KO's 24. # 2-time World Heavyweight Title challanger: 1982 & 1987. # Nr.1 World ranked heavyweight contender between; 1980-1982. # Most notorious career victories: Ken Norton, S. T. Gordon, Ron Lyle & Jimmy Young. # Career defeats: Larry Holmes, George Foreman & Michael Spinks.
@@jeffh58 Yeah I agree. Spinks rather had a drunk and un-fit Cooney then fighting the 1# contender Tony Tucker. Cooney was in his career worst shape for the Spinks fight and he have multiple times spoken about how his life was at his darkest path in that time period. He just collected his check and cared less. Noy until late 1989 he sobbered up, trained and started to work on his comeback. Just thyat Big George was in his way and he also would not let himself be stoped.
Out of all fairness spinks fought cooney cuz it was alot more money,he got 7 million to fight cooney( 4 million originally but thier was so much interest Iin te fight it went up to 7 million)he would of only gotten $500,000 to fight tucker
Whatever you thought of Gerry Cooney, you cant deny that he had heart, toughness and a powerful left hand. The fight against Holmes came too soon for him as well. He would have been better off fighting at world championship level a year or two later. He wasn't experienced enough. I think he's still an underrated fighter and doesn't get the respect that he should.
Cooney was supposed to fight mike weaver before holmes,that would of been a good test for him,but the reason that fight didn't happen was because james quick tillis wouldn't step aside,despite the step aside money and promises to fight the winner etc.
I had a Gerry Cooney -Larry Holmes poster from the fight at Caesars Palace early 80s on my wall. My dad worked at Caesars and got alot of cool stuff from all big boxing matches there. Caesars was THE spot for boxing at that outdoor pavillion. Good times.🙂
Rich you have that wonderful gift of making the outside story of a boxer explain the inside story of a boxer regardless of how great they are. The moment Cooney's father's behavour was described and how Cooney never rose from it I could see the trajectory that such a young, talented boxer as Cooney would follow. It's like a guilt that some never get over from killing a man in the ring. I think in many ways Cooney's father planted seeds of irrational guilt in Cooney when he was a just a child that he could never overcome. Thanks for sharing!
He had a chance to be great, his handlers rushed him strictly because of the payday. During his fight with Larry Holmes at the Palace. During his fight with Holmes, both fighters trained there, the public was invited to show up and watch the training for both fighters for free, I found it absolutely fascinating.
A really good re-upload Rich.....Cooney was just one of those guys who just couldn't make that last push to the top......I would like to have seen him beat Holmes...but I was pretty sure he wasn't going to. Holmes was a great fighter. The real surprise was that he made it to the 11th round...THAT impressed me. I always liked Holmes. I just thought it would've been great to see Cooney win that one. The thing is, you can't be partying and doing coke etc when you are trying to also have a successful boxing career.
That was excellent. Shout out to all the dads who love their kids and raise them well. We don’t need a bunch of hurt people like Cooney, with tremendous gifts, walking around with a gaping hole in their hearts that nothing can fill.
I had always thought Cooney was rushed to this fight, just another year of more evenly matched opponents would've served him better, but as Gerry himself has said, his party lifestyle outside the ring was not good for him at all. He evolved into a really wholesome human being and helped my brother tremendously with his own demons, for that I'll always be in his debt.
🤔 I wonder why the revision? Nevertheless, another good video. I met Gerry twice: Once as a drunk in a popular Bistro in Staten Island, and again at an Open A.A. meeting years later, also on Staten island; And boy! Did he change for the better! A really nice guy. I'm glad that he stayed clean.
Gerry visited an Irish Country Fair in 86/87 period. He was very nice and friendly even though most of us kids had no knowledge of pro boxers at the time. I had his autograph in a drawer for years. Glad he is doing well 👍 great documentary thank you
When men were men not like these days were 28 year olds still live with mum and dad and think they should be allowed to play on their computer all fucking day 🙄🙄🙄
I love this man. The fact that he got so far with just a lead left is amazing. It goes to show, mastering one is better than mastering none. That man was fighting his father every fight. A boy that just wanted his daddy's love. He was a helluva slugger... Thank you for this!
Cooney has an amazing resume for a heavyweight in the early 80s. I wonder what would have happened if he had trained with someone like Emmanuel Steward.
I love boxing and this is one of the reasons why because some of its fellow lovers are a true gift to the sport an past fighters that have been gone for years they will never die once rich is around hes got there back an he keeps them alive. Thank u rich, u truly are gifted and a beautiful narrator.
Great video Rich.....i always liked Gerry, seems like a gentle giant outside the ring, the kinda guy you want to have a beer with, and i am really happy that he and Larry ended up being great and close friends, they were both great fighters in their own way, and they are both great people and a great example that everyone can be brothers and live in harmony.
Sydney Australia fan here Rich. I have watched all of your documentaries eagerly since day dot. I tell everyone I know to watch these for a comprehensive recap of these fighters careers and as a guy who has probably read 40 pages a day on boxing literally since 1989 in the form of books, magazines or online there are so many fights I simply have never been able to see due to unavailability. These videos fill that massive gap. I am loving the punchers ones - Mugabi,Garza,Satterfield,Cooney,Cuevas,Olivares these are fantastic. Would love to see one on Nigel Benn,Gerald McClellan and of course Julian Jackson. Absolutely phenomenal work mate. These are a treat and a joy.
Has any fighter ever been more knocked out than Gerry was by the overweight, past his prime Foreman? Shows that the quality of athletes hasn't gone up in boxing in 40 years
I was a fan of Gerry Cooney and so wanted him to beat Larry Holmes. As it turns out, he was a tall man with power in his left, but that was it. He didn`t stand a chance against Holmes. He made his money and retired. Well-done Rich - love these documentaries.
Watching him against Foreman, he carries his height, and reach very well. I would like to see him and Tyson Fury have a go. I didn't know about his childhood, and now I understand him more.
Rich, I appreciate your videos looking back at famous and not so famous fighters and fights of the past. Always enjoy looking back at many events I remember or watched in my youth..The Cooney/Holmes encounter was maybe the 80s best known, anticipated, and competitive HW title fight--President Reagan stayed up late to hear the result in fact! However, I would suggest one more edit to this video. I'm very puzzled about your editorial decision to have a clip implying that somehow Cooney took a mob directed dive that made it so he "couldn't win" because some thug bet $30K on the fight. Because of the magnitude of the fight this seems vanishingly point implausible and it is obvious to anyone who has watched the fight that Cooney was trying his very best to win it. This was probably the last fight of Holmes prime and he was simply more professional and skilled than Cooney. The quote about Cooney saying he "can't win the fight" in other documentaries I've seen more plausibly quote Cooney coming to this conclusion during--not before the fight--while sitting on his stool late in the fight--he knew Holmes was the better man that night. Cooney wasn't a great athlete but did have freakish power he knew how to leverage. However, he never beat a top HW in his prime. HWs aged faster in the 1970s/80s and while several current top contenders are well into their 30s today--40 or more years ago that was old and I can give Cooney very limited credit for taking out--albeit in spectacular fashion--HWs 3-5 years past their primes. For instance, I had a lot of trepidation about Norton getting into the ring with Cooney. Anyone who watched Norton with Shavers a three years before knew his punch resistance was very low and that getting in with someone as dangerous as Cooney was a tremendous risk. It's a fight I didn't think should had ever happened and it's dreadful to have to watch the replay of it... Anyway, it's too bad Cooney was so mentally fragile that one loss destroyed him. He could have had a better career.
Isn't that terrible it's really sad to see how bad a person is effected by your father. To bad he might have been a great champion. I really enjoyed this Rich as usual you done an amazing job.
Being born from Irish parents I can pretty much confirm that my Father was identical to Gerrys..... maybe worse ! I was born in 73 and I remember big Gerry Cooney and Sean Mannion ! Both great Irish fighters but I think the temptations outside the ring didn't help there careers much ! Sean Mannion was from my Mother's village Rosmuc in Connemara Co Galway and he should have been a World Champion but he fell foul to usual problems you get with the Irish..... its a shame..... At least Mickey Ward showed what a dedicated Irish Boxer can achieve ! Brilliant mini documentary that explains the the legacy of the Irish immigrants that Travelled to the USA
What I specially appreciate about your video's that you don't bring your name in the video, as many do, often huge, as a constant reminder of who posted it. Many times to me a reason not wanting to see it at all. Nice video this one by the way, I saw it before.
I think that the greatest obstacle that Cooney faced was himself. He seemed to shut down during championship fights as you see that he didn't fight back as much when he fought Holmes and Sphinx. I'm glad he found happiness though and it can't be denied that he was a great boxer and a smart one too as he was trying to pursue an acting career at the time to avoid further damage.
Hey Rich I have a idea you may like...even if it's just something to keep in your back pocket for some future date considering it's unlikely you will ever run out of fighter to profile but have you ever thought of doing a profile on any of the famous gyms like Cronk, or one out of the Catskills or Philly? I'd love to see that and I can't recall any other channels ever doing that. Plus you know I'm going to bug you about that "Rich the fight historian" profile until I get to see it 😆...no in all seriousness just keep doing what you're doing and you're just going to keep growing and growing...you don't need any advice from me I just comment to show my support and appreciation and for the algorithm
Always a pleasure, Kuwaitisnot adeployment. I thought about doing a piece like that, specifically on the Kronk...But right now, I'm of the mindset to do pieces on the individual fighters of the Kronk (i.e., the Bernard Mays piece if you saw that one). There were a lot of interesting fighters/stories that emerged out of that gym.
Cooney gave Holmes a much tougher fight than Tex Cobb, Snipes, and Scott Frank , why no rematch?? also that ref (Norton) fight should have been FIRED, and permanently removed from boxing that was sickening...
Gerry was awesome from about 1979 prior to the Kenny Norton fight though he "toned" it down in exhibitions just prior to that match. I never understood why the bout vs Mike Weaver (WBA title challenge) did not come off. Tremendous skills, he just looked awkward while advancing.
@@serenityinside1 Appears you never saw him ringside during big fights. Repeat, tremendous, cagey skills for a big man who angled into defining KO results of your "one handed" reference. All good.
I love the tone of these videos. There’s no judgment and no favouritism but also no hiding the flaws. The overwhelming feeling you’re left with is a powerful sense of what remarkable individuals boxers are, for good bad and everything in between
Thank you, Josephus.
I couldn’t said it better
@@scottculli7851 Rich the Historian definitely says it better. I love these videos and thanks to the creator some immortal people won’t be forgotten
Great video doc , what’s the song name at beginning of video
Great perspective.
I was 9 in1980 when I first saw Cooney and he was great. Watched this doc twice and it's still brilliantly done.
I was 10 in 1982 when Holmes vs Cooney was live on HBO. First Boxing I’d ever watched and I immediately fell in love with the sport. The whole spectacle of it all. The puncher vs the Boxer. All of it I absorbed quickly.
@@JAMESGANG-f5u and got knocked out
Awesome punching power and what a left hand, his knockout of Ken Norton is one of the most brutal KO's in boxing.
Yea that ref in the Norton fight should have been fired
False...wilder just ko some guy the other day ...knock it off
Not true ernie shavers ko of Norton was worse even Forman ko of Norton th I s guy beat ageing fighters a old George Forman almost killed this man you Wana see worse ko Forman verse Cooney
@@tyrone8882 Cooney hits harder than Wilder.
@@richbrake9910 how do you know?
I'm a Long Islander so I knew how good Cooney was and could have been. He fought one of my hometown guys in the GG/amateurs. He gave the great Larry Holmes a better fight than most of the guys from the 80s. His weakness... his managers the aptly named wacko twins. They are the ones who started the whyte hope garbage. He is a good solid guy as a person. Good tribute. Again.
Cooney could've been a World Champion but if what his trainers have said is to be believed then he didn't work hard enough on learning new skills inside the ring.. He barely used his right hand, his jab was attrocious and his left hand was wayward too much of the time. It's a damn shame bcos we had to wait for Tyson Dury to come along to have somebody with real gas in this division.
I was a huge Mike Tyson boxing fan but I also knew that if Holyfield survived the 1st 6 rounds of their 1st fight that Tyson would be broke down and beaten up. It killed me having to admit that fact.. Shame Tyson didn't have better people around him during his career..
The promoters didn't believe in him at all they were just building him up for a payday. He had much more potential than either he or his promoters believed.
I lived around the corner from where he grew up, a little cut through street off of Jericho tpke and Melville Road.
Agreed,I also didn't care for Victor Valli, he never fully developed Gerry,always one dimensional, old films were nice,sandy sadler,Huntington train station.
I lived less than a quarter mile from his bar. My friend was a bartender there. Never got in. All My friends went to school with him. He was known as a very generous guy.. H3e gets ex boxers union jobs on the docks so they can have a pension, healthcare and a life. Great man.
You put together the best boxing documentaries on the internet, which are as good as anything seen on tv or any medium. Living on Long Island, I have a memory of Cooney being introduced at a local boxing match at his peak before the Holmes fight. He made a good account of himself , Holmes said the body shots really hurt him.
Hey thanks, Philip.
@@RichtheFightHistorian rich your videos top notch
He was thrown in against a prime Holmes for a payday and gave him problems. Holmes didn't take him lightly at all.
I'm so glad Gerry grew so much as an elder statesman in the sport and found his voice and passion. In the ring in the early 1980s, he was a mess hyped as the white hope, brutalized by a cruel father into never believing in himself and it showed many times in the ring. For all of his size and strength, he was often muscled in the ring by much smaller fighters. In the fight against Jimmy Young, he was pushed into corners and against the ropes by an overweight, ageing contender who was known for his lack of power. Against Michael Spinks, he was bullied again so much so that Alex Wallau said in round 5 "...it's amazing that someone who in essence is a blown up light heavyweight, Michael Spinks, is pushing Gerry Cooney all over the ring." That was his father's legacy on full display. When Gerry was hurt in the ring, he was gone. He would become completely passive, not defend himself and would take his beating. After Foreman knocked him down in round 2, Gerry got up, walked over to George at ring center and stood there waiting for Big George to execute him. Gerry also had a strange tic in the ring. When hurt or knocked down, he would instinctively start fumbling with his boxing shorts' beltline, tugging and straightening it. I'm sure any experienced fighter saw it as a tell Gerry was seriously hurt and ready to go. He never fought a legitimate threat except for Holmes. In retrospect today, he says he should have been challenged more with tougher fights so he could have grown into a more durable fighter with an aggressive mindset. I agree. His managers squeezed as much as they could out of their white heavyweight investment with absolute minimal risk.
Laterally took the words out of my mouth.
I think you nailed it!👍
George Foreman said he was one of the hardest hitters ever.
That was their duty, make money fur everyone involved. Mike and Dennis savvy before Tyson’s original management came along. Perfect matchmaking. Dino was not the sane guy who beat Scottie LeDoux, but still formidable, Yoong was on the comeback after besting contender Racette (or that Alaskan contender), Kenny still had enough gas to go on vs Cobb. Add King to that mix, you had a great match up vs Larry. Though many will recall Cooney stayed out post fight x 2 years, he simply lost the will to go on at peak level succumbing to his demons.
Like Wilder...
That was a beautiful picture of Holmes and Cooney at the end!
JERRY COONEY Took the little he was taught and made something out of himself this is truly the American dream.
Thanks Rich , you are obviously an enlightened man. The tone, kindness and insight is masterful. You are an asset to boxing history yourself.
You're very kind, S C, thank you.
Thank you again Sir. No matter what anyone thinks of Gerry. At one time he was a somebody 👊👏
"This is the hardest hitter I've ever been in the ring with" - Geroge Foreman talking about Jerry Cooney on Letterman.
Gerry can be proud that his left hook to the body is one boxings all time greatest punches. I`ll never forget what George Foreman
said hours after their bout:, " Midway through the first round Cooney threw a left hook, I blocked it with my right arm. The power
went through my arm, into my body and within seconds left me feeling dizzy." That is awesome power.
Cooney was what 6’6” or 6’7” ?
That long armed left hook was like a freaking wrecking ball. Tremendous power.
I’m not sure that Young and Lyle were quit as washed up as people claim. I think they just got caught with these shots like what Foreman described and it shut them down.
While absolutely true, in all fairness George says stuff like this about almost all his opponents lol
Imagine If Gerry was in the gym more then the bar room, He had crushing power especially in his left hook, even though his forearms etc. were thin in comparison to the monsters he went up against.
Foreman summed up once the people who had fought and he said that Cooney was one of the hardest hitters he ever fought !
@@JAMESGANG-f5unah they was washed, but, that doesn't take away from that Cooney left. Yell
Foreman always praised his opponents. Another reason to respect him as a good man. He was just nice to a fellow. He said similar things about Frazier aswell. Another left hook.
Played golf in a celebrity tournament and Gerry was our partner. Gracious and funny and a pleasure to spend the day with.
That was a really good story! I remember Cooney. I didn’t know how sad he was and what he went through. His Dad really damaged him. Me and my father clashed but I never doubted he cared for me. Later in life I learned he loved me. A man needs that fatherly love🙏❤️
Gerry would destroy today's heavies. A destructive puncher and an awfully nice man with a big heart
No he wouldn't 😂😂😂😂. I like Gerry but he isnt beating Usyk, Fury or even Dubois. He didnt have the chin to dominate.
@TFB97 I love this debate. So. 1 usyk and fury are very tricky but not essentially big punchers 2 dubois the jury is still out. Gerry would wreck joshua same as norton 3gerrys losses were against hall of farmers holmes foreman spinks 4didgerry have a chin good point I think the answer is in gentleman gerry book. Deep lack of confidence not helped by alcohol substance abuse 5 gerry punched in combos as did70s heavies lets not think about a peak liston v today I diverse could gerry be the man today respect your viewpoint and maybe sadly we'll never know but that's the fun of the debate. Take care
I cannot express how much I appreciate your work. The production value, the facts, the amount of research and editing. Just amazing! And the stories behind these athletes are so inspiring. At 51 years old I'm finding new and true inspiration. Thank you.
Thanks so much, Greg. I appreciate it.
Good one Rich, That fight with Holmes was huge ! Actually Cooney's finest hour, on reflection
Thanks, Andrew. Yeah, people forget how big that fight really was.
Rich, you do an absolutely brilliant job, what you do brightens the day of many a man.
I appreciate that, Troll Goodman. Thank you.
The best boxing docu channel on youtube for me🙏👊
Thanks for the support, Ninja For Hire.
One of your very best Rich- sincere thanks as always for your efforts.
Keep going and going !
Will do, Martin, thank you.
As a lifelong boxing fan, I love your channel and keep it up. Exceptional content
Foreman's knockout of Cooney was pretty damn impressive !
That walk by uppercut was the slickest thing I ever saw in boxing.
Hey Rich,
Another GREAT video!!!! I hear that Gerry is a real class act, so glad you covered him.
Thanks again Rich!!
Happy New Yeat!!
Thanks, Dave. Happy New Year to you.
I love Victor Valle, one of the most devoted and honest men ever, in and out of the ring. Tearful at 33:29, Victor showing who he was. Mike and Dennis selected the absolute best person to pursue that dream of a title.
Mike and Dennis matched him so carefully I don’t think Jerry had confidence in himself. Angelo Dundee said that as did Gil Clancy. Mike and Dennis were not boxing guys. He was too protected.
Bullshit. Dundee and Mr Clancy (great as they were) were jealous of Dennis and Mikes exquisite managing, all boxing backstabbed were. Cooneys issues (many not discussed) we’re personal. In that he was carefully matched to gain the big money fights is testament to savvy team running the show. Avoiding Kings fellow young heavys (Greg, Dokes, Mercado) was genius in that everyone wound up set for $$$$$ life.
@@bennyadler5882 without resorting to profanity Benny I respectfully disagree. I’m glad Jerry is set for life. He’s a nice guy. And I don’t know the mind set of Angelo or Clancy. So by your opinion they knew Jerry was not capable of winning the title. No wonder he had no confidence.
@@GilturnerknocksoutphonyFloyd (Mike and Dennis), not at all. Those two fully expected , while Victor Valle hoped Gerry to overpower either Coetzee or Mike Weaver (WBA), Larry a whole other matter. Dennis/Mike challenged more established title holder's promoter (King). I think Larry had already struggled vs Hercules a year and 1/2 earlier for the bigger $$$$. That Gerry "failed" to the peaking Easton Assassin, the best in the game in that era, was nothing to be ashamed of. Confidence may not have been the "key", that "key" may have just been Larry, (and later) Mike Spinks' abilities. Dennis/Mike accomplished what few top fight managers could do, make the huge $$$$ with the talent they had nurtured and supported. All good.
@@bennyadler5882 Good fiscally for Gerry and them but bad for the sport. Low risk matchmaking for maximum return has been the catalyst for the mess heavyweight boxing is today. Tyson Fury??? Give me a break. Fat, powder puffed punching uncoordinated glass jawed fraud.
If George Foreman says the man hit hard, the man hit hard.
I watched a lot of his fights and really enjoyed them. A decent human being
Nice photo to end on. Great documentary as always.
Thanks, Geraint
In the end Jerry Cooney became a champion of values, compassion and life. Great documentary, thank you once again.
My pleasure, Guy, thanks for watching.
People forget that Cooney was a helluva hard puncher. For all of his flaws that left hook was top 5 ever with true HW power.
thank you mr rich for all you do and this wonderful doc. full of goats. the closing pic is a great tribute to brotherhood and was nice to see. bless you sir
Likewise, hal. Thanks for the watch.
Great content, thanks my friend
My pleasure, James.
I always wondered what Cooney could have been if he had stayed as a natural southpaw and developed his right as a jab. The leverage he would have had on the left would have then been truly incredible. With that reach, look out! Maybe they thought he did not have the boxing IQ to do the things a southpaw has to. His mental doubts would have been a problem either way.
I think if he could have gone to the Olympic trials in 1976 it would have done wonders for his confidence. At least he would have been exposed to world class training and mingled with the up and comers.
George Forman honored Cooney as one of the hardest punchers he's ever been hit by. You've earned my sub Sir. I'm honored to watch your amazing content.
Thank you, SharkBeard
You guys will take any little thing a black man will give you as a win. You hit me hard😅
@@SirNic4180is that why we have more champions spook
Gerry was a great fighter and genuine good guy.. His boxing record speaks for itself.. Big George.. Goat!
You always do a great job on these videos! I am a fan!
"Gentleman" Gerry Cooney
PRO record: 28-3-0, KO's 24.
# 2-time World Heavyweight Title challanger: 1982 & 1987.
# Nr.1 World ranked heavyweight contender between; 1980-1982.
# Most notorious career victories: Ken Norton, S. T. Gordon, Ron Lyle & Jimmy Young.
# Career defeats: Larry Holmes, George Foreman & Michael Spinks.
thanks for the stats ,interesting to see.
@@hallelujah4296 You are very welcome !!!!
With his inactivity, I don't think he deserved the 1987 title fight.
@@jeffh58 Yeah I agree. Spinks rather had a drunk and un-fit Cooney then fighting the 1# contender Tony Tucker.
Cooney was in his career worst shape for the Spinks fight and he have multiple times spoken about how his life was at his darkest path in that time period. He just collected his check and cared less.
Noy until late 1989 he sobbered up, trained and started to work on his comeback. Just thyat Big George was in his way and he also would not let himself be stoped.
Out of all fairness spinks fought cooney cuz it was alot more money,he got 7 million to fight cooney( 4 million originally but thier was so much interest Iin te fight it went up to 7 million)he would of only gotten $500,000 to fight tucker
👏👏👏Amazing documentary Rich. Quality research & delivery from first to last.! Loved it.!! Bless up bro 👊
Thanks, Nick.
Cooney was also a New York Golden Gloves Champion!
Thanks again Rich
Sure thing, harold.
When i think Cooney all i remember is Formans lead uppercut
You're an occasional fan then, without offence
@@utenteantimoralismo8549 I'm a boxing fan born in 2002, not a Gerry Cooney encyclopedia
@@debyaka Then think before speak... And put some respect to one of the hardest punchers ever and remember when he murdered Norton
@@utenteantimoralismo8549 Old man Norton
@@debyaka Norton was still good and with great results until he fought Gerry
Whatever you thought of Gerry Cooney, you cant deny that he had heart, toughness and a powerful left hand. The fight against Holmes came too soon for him as well. He would have been better off fighting at world championship level a year or two later. He wasn't experienced enough. I think he's still an underrated fighter and doesn't get the respect that he should.
He gets the respect now. Holmes now considered the GOAT by many, Gerry's performance is now considered in light of that.
Cooney was supposed to fight mike weaver before holmes,that would of been a good test for him,but the reason that fight didn't happen was because james quick tillis wouldn't step aside,despite the step aside money and promises to fight the winner etc.
Great video as always Rich
Thanks, John.
I had a Gerry Cooney -Larry Holmes poster from the fight at Caesars Palace early 80s on my wall. My dad worked at Caesars and got alot of cool stuff from all big boxing matches there. Caesars was THE spot for boxing at that outdoor pavillion. Good times.🙂
Rich you have that wonderful gift of making the outside story of a boxer explain the inside story of a boxer regardless of how great they are. The moment Cooney's father's behavour was described and how Cooney never rose from it I could see the trajectory that such a young, talented boxer as Cooney would follow. It's like a guilt that some never get over from killing a man in the ring. I think in many ways Cooney's father planted seeds of irrational guilt in Cooney when he was a just a child that he could never overcome. Thanks for sharing!
Sure thing, oncall21.
Great video and love the historical insights with personal life details as well as boxing action. Top top Channel this 😊
Wow brilliant. Such wonderfull insight. Cant wait to see more of these!
Thanks, mtns
He had a chance to be great, his handlers rushed him strictly because of the payday. During his fight with Larry Holmes at the Palace. During his fight with Holmes, both fighters trained there, the public was invited to show up and watch the training for both fighters for free, I found it absolutely fascinating.
Wonderful video, thanks!
Sure thing, cityside75
A really good re-upload Rich.....Cooney was just one of those guys who just couldn't make that last push to the top......I would like to have seen him beat Holmes...but I was pretty sure he wasn't going to. Holmes was a great fighter. The real surprise was that he made it to the 11th round...THAT impressed me. I always liked Holmes. I just thought it would've been great to see Cooney win that one. The thing is, you can't be partying and doing coke etc when you are trying to also have a successful boxing career.
13 th but agree great performance against a Great fighter
@@andrewwilliams8413 Oh yes.....lol....don't know why I put down the 11th.... :)
That was excellent. Shout out to all the dads who love their kids and raise them well. We don’t need a bunch of hurt people like Cooney, with tremendous gifts, walking around with a gaping hole in their hearts that nothing can fill.
I had always thought Cooney was rushed to this fight, just another year of more evenly matched opponents would've served him better, but as Gerry himself has said, his party lifestyle outside the ring was not good for him at all. He evolved into a really wholesome human being and helped my brother tremendously with his own demons, for that I'll always be in his debt.
🤔 I wonder why the revision? Nevertheless, another good video.
I met Gerry twice: Once as a drunk in a popular Bistro in Staten Island, and again at an Open A.A. meeting years later, also on Staten island; And boy! Did he change for the better! A really nice guy. I'm glad that he stayed clean.
Ah, just added in some stuff that I couldn't before because of a copyright claim.
@@RichtheFightHistorian
A perfectionist! Just kidding.
You are indeed, "THE Fight Historian." Thanks for your reply.
Fabulous fighter and gave one of the all time great HWs at his peak one hellava fight.
I really like the music you used in this episode.
Gerry visited an Irish Country Fair in 86/87 period. He was very nice and friendly even though most of us kids had no knowledge of pro boxers at the time. I had his autograph in a drawer for years. Glad he is doing well 👍 great documentary thank you
My pleasure, Kevin
Rich. You’re the best. Greetings from Argentina!
Thank you, big fan of all the fighters from Argentina.
great post about a great person!! thank you for it !
My pleasure, Rojo
Oldest looking 23 year old I've ever seen. Dude could've genuinely passed as a 45 yo Mine worker
When men were men not like these days were 28 year olds still live with mum and dad and think they should be allowed to play on their computer all fucking day 🙄🙄🙄
@@mattwebb5276 Those men raised today's men so who's really to blame
I love this man. The fact that he got so far with just a lead left is amazing. It goes to show, mastering one is better than mastering none.
That man was fighting his father every fight. A boy that just wanted his daddy's love. He was a helluva slugger...
Thank you for this!
My pleasure, Big Fisto.
I love the post-fight/career Cooney and Holmes relationship.
Cooney has an amazing resume for a heavyweight in the early 80s. I wonder what would have happened if he had trained with someone like Emmanuel Steward.
Agreed,he never developed under valli,stayed one dimensional
I love boxing and this is one of the reasons why because some of its fellow lovers are a true gift to the sport an past fighters that have been gone for years they will never die once rich is around hes got there back an he keeps them alive. Thank u rich, u truly are gifted and a beautiful narrator.
Thanks John, I greatly appreciate your support.
Gerry looked like he was in his 40’s even when he was a rising star in his 20’s. He just had that look. Like something aged him prematurely
Indeed .. childhood abuse and stress off his father
I agree.
Great video Rich.....i always liked Gerry, seems like a gentle giant outside the ring, the kinda guy you want to have a beer with, and i am really happy that he and Larry ended up being great and close friends, they were both great fighters in their own way, and they are both great people and a great example that everyone can be brothers and live in harmony.
Thanks, Paul.
Fantastic story. Cooney was underrated but yet never really reached his potential either. Really glad he found a happy ending after boxing.
He had a happier life post boxing than many other people, including champions. He also wasn't punch drunk or suffer from CTE.
Great vid thanks
If you’ve done any boxing some people just have incredible power
Watch the movie "The Harder They Fall". That sums up Gerry Cooney the boxer's career. Today Gerry Cooney, the man, is an outstanding human being.
Excellent Doc dude!
Thank you
Am related to Gerry.....
Max respect to all lovers of the Sweet Science....
RIP Gerry Cooney
He's not dead. Thankfully.
I know Jerry and he a very decent and nice person who has help a lot people he gave back
Very good. Thank you. I like Cooney more after seeing this.
My pleasure, RPM
Great video
Sydney Australia fan here Rich. I have watched all of your documentaries eagerly since day dot. I tell everyone I know to watch these for a comprehensive recap of these fighters careers and as a guy who has probably read 40 pages a day on boxing literally since 1989 in the form of books, magazines or online there are so many fights I simply have never been able to see due to unavailability. These videos fill that massive gap. I am loving the punchers ones - Mugabi,Garza,Satterfield,Cooney,Cuevas,Olivares these are fantastic.
Would love to see one on Nigel Benn,Gerald McClellan and of course Julian Jackson.
Absolutely phenomenal work mate.
These are a treat and a joy.
Randy Sandy, the ref at 4:56, was a multiple NY (4x) Golden Gloves Champ himself.
Has any fighter ever been more knocked out than Gerry was by the overweight, past his prime Foreman? Shows that the quality of athletes hasn't gone up in boxing in 40 years
Foreman knocked alot of people out.
I was a fan of Gerry Cooney and so wanted him to beat Larry Holmes. As it turns out, he was a tall man with power in his left, but that was it. He didn`t stand a chance against Holmes. He made his money and retired. Well-done Rich - love these documentaries.
Thank you, L C C
Watching him against Foreman, he carries his height, and reach very well. I would like to see him and Tyson Fury have a go.
I didn't know about his childhood, and now I understand him more.
Based on how Cooney throws his upper cut its very likely that it was Cooneys elbow that cut Jim Young.
Fantastic piece.
Thanks, Jesse.
Love your doc , what's name of intro song, love it
He *never* beat a contender, except Ken Norton, who was 64 years old when they fought. (That’s hyperbole, kids.)
Ken Norton, Jimmy Young, Eddie Gregg, were ranked in the top 10 when cooney fought them
@@dominickperciballi7274 Okay. Well put. 👍👍👍
“ i dont know how old he was but got his ass whooped”
Thanks for the video and knowledge, RICH THE FIGHT HISTORIAN
My pleasure, abudujana13
Rich, I appreciate your videos looking back at famous and not so famous fighters and fights of the past. Always enjoy looking back at many events I remember or watched in my youth..The Cooney/Holmes encounter was maybe the 80s best known, anticipated, and competitive HW title fight--President Reagan stayed up late to hear the result in fact!
However, I would suggest one more edit to this video. I'm very puzzled about your editorial decision to have a clip implying that somehow Cooney took a mob directed dive that made it so he "couldn't win" because some thug bet $30K on the fight. Because of the magnitude of the fight this seems vanishingly point implausible and it is obvious to anyone who has watched the fight that Cooney was trying his very best to win it. This was probably the last fight of Holmes prime and he was simply more professional and skilled than Cooney. The quote about Cooney saying he "can't win the fight" in other documentaries I've seen more plausibly quote Cooney coming to this conclusion during--not before the fight--while sitting on his stool late in the fight--he knew Holmes was the better man that night.
Cooney wasn't a great athlete but did have freakish power he knew how to leverage. However, he never beat a top HW in his prime. HWs aged faster in the 1970s/80s and while several current top contenders are well into their 30s today--40 or more years ago that was old and I can give Cooney very limited credit for taking out--albeit in spectacular fashion--HWs 3-5 years past their primes. For instance, I had a lot of trepidation about Norton getting into the ring with Cooney. Anyone who watched Norton with Shavers a three years before knew his punch resistance was very low and that getting in with someone as dangerous as Cooney was a tremendous risk. It's a fight I didn't think should had ever happened and it's dreadful to have to watch the replay of it...
Anyway, it's too bad Cooney was so mentally fragile that one loss destroyed him. He could have had a better career.
No, I was NO way implying that Cooney took a dive. That quote was of Franzese backtracking on that suggestion.
Man his father impacted his whole life..
Isn't that terrible it's really sad to see how bad a person is effected by your father. To bad he might have been a great champion. I really enjoyed this Rich as usual you done an amazing job.
Thanks, Ron.
thank you
I liked thus video. It was pretty good 👍🏽 👌
Being born from Irish parents I can pretty much confirm that my Father was identical to Gerrys..... maybe worse !
I was born in 73 and I remember big Gerry Cooney and Sean Mannion !
Both great Irish fighters but I think the temptations outside the ring didn't help there careers much !
Sean Mannion was from my Mother's village Rosmuc in Connemara Co Galway and he should have been a World Champion but he fell foul to usual problems you get with the Irish..... its a shame..... At least Mickey Ward showed what a dedicated Irish Boxer can achieve !
Brilliant mini documentary that explains the the legacy of the Irish immigrants that Travelled to the USA
Sean was just a journey man fighter
What I specially appreciate about your video's that you don't bring your name in the video, as many do, often huge, as a constant reminder of who posted it. Many times to me a reason not wanting to see it at all. Nice video this one by the way, I saw it before.
Thanks, Aristolelezz...yeah, I had been wanting to fix and re-upload this one.
Beautiful ending befitting of the legend
I think that the greatest obstacle that Cooney faced was himself. He seemed to shut down during championship fights as you see that he didn't fight back as much when he fought Holmes and Sphinx. I'm glad he found happiness though and it can't be denied that he was a great boxer and a smart one too as he was trying to pursue an acting career at the time to avoid further damage.
Hey Rich I have a idea you may like...even if it's just something to keep in your back pocket for some future date considering it's unlikely you will ever run out of fighter to profile but have you ever thought of doing a profile on any of the famous gyms like Cronk, or one out of the Catskills or Philly? I'd love to see that and I can't recall any other channels ever doing that. Plus you know I'm going to bug you about that "Rich the fight historian" profile until I get to see it 😆...no in all seriousness just keep doing what you're doing and you're just going to keep growing and growing...you don't need any advice from me I just comment to show my support and appreciation and for the algorithm
Ps. O I almost forgot my monthly Paz request too lol 😉
Always a pleasure, Kuwaitisnot adeployment. I thought about doing a piece like that, specifically on the Kronk...But right now, I'm of the mindset to do pieces on the individual fighters of the Kronk (i.e., the Bernard Mays piece if you saw that one). There were a lot of interesting fighters/stories that emerged out of that gym.
@@RichtheFightHistorian sounds great to me...I'll be watching either way
Cooney gave Holmes a much tougher fight than Tex Cobb, Snipes, and Scott Frank , why no rematch?? also that ref (Norton) fight should have been FIRED, and permanently removed from boxing that was sickening...
No rematch because Cooney vanished for 2 years.
Really good insight on your videos,, I actually teared up at the closing pic of Holmes and Cooney,and the verbal ending
Thanks patg912.
Nice vid bro
Thanks, Ed.
I LOVED Gil Clancy......but .....has any commentator/trainer ever been as excited by a cut stoppage of an over the hill opponent as Cooney vs Young?
Probably had money on the fight ?
@Patrick J -Yup.......and he trained him for the Foreman fight.......in which he was almost decapitated by a guy 15 years past his prime ....
Great channel
Thanks, Karl.
I've never heard of this boxer
Gerry was awesome from about 1979 prior to the Kenny Norton fight though he "toned" it down in exhibitions just prior to that match. I never understood why the bout vs Mike Weaver (WBA title challenge) did not come off. Tremendous skills, he just looked awkward while advancing.
Tremendous skills ?!! You think ? I don’t - terribly one handed just for starters
@@serenityinside1 Appears you never saw him ringside during big fights. Repeat, tremendous, cagey skills for a big man who angled into defining KO results of your "one handed" reference. All good.