Former heavyweight boxer "Gerry Cooney" success - December 19th, 2013 Retired Irish-American professional boxer from Huntington, New York, best known for his loss to Larry Holmes and defeat of ex-champion/contender Ken Norton. Known for his big left-hook and his imposing size, the tall, lean Cooney had his first paid fight on February 15, 1977, beating Billy Jackson by a knockout in one round. Nine wins followed and Cooney gained attention as a future contender. Although his opponents were carefully chosen. He moved up a weight class and fought future world cruiserweight champion S.T. Gordon in Las Vegas, winning by a fourth round disqualification. Cooney had 11 more wins, spanning 1978 and 1979. Among those he defeated were Charlie Polite, former US heavyweight champion Eddie Lopez, and Tom Prater. These were not rated contenders however.
By 1980, Cooney was being featured on national television. Stepping up, he beat one time title challengers Jimmy Young and Ron Lyle, both by 'knockouts,' although the Young fight was stopped because of cuts sustained by Young. By now he was ranked number 1 by the WBC and eager for a match with champion Larry Holmes.
In 1981, he defeated former world heavyweight champion Ken Norton by a knockout just 54 seconds into the first round with a blisteringly powerful attack. This broke the record set in 1948 by Lee Savold for the quickest knockout in a main event in Madison Square Garden. Since his management team was unwilling to risk losing a big future pay day with Holmes by having him face another viable fighter, Cooney did not fight for 13 months after defeating Norton. Cooney compiled a professional record of 28 wins and 3 losses, with 24 knockouts. He is ranked number 53 on Ring Magazine's list of "100 Greatest Punchers of All Time".
mailed photo 11-1-13
received signed 11-7-13
used: private resident address
Fanwood, NJ
Note: I don't post private resident addresses to protect privacy.
Gerry Cooney (Former Boxer) Success!!!!! - October 29th, 2013 Sent an 8x10, LOR, and SASE to:
Gerry Cooney
c/o Fghters' Initiative for Support and Training
265 West 14th Street
2nd Floor
New York, New York 10011
Received my 8x10 back signed.
Gerry Cooney is a former heavyweight contender best known for his knockout of heavyweight champion Ken Norton in 1981 and loss to world champion Larry Holmes in 1982. He is ranked the #53 all-time greatest puncher by Ring Magazine and is currently co-host of Friday Night at the Fights on Sirius Radio.
