Gerry Cooney Irish-American professional boxer Date of Birth: 04.08.1956 Country: USA

Biography of Jerry Cooney

Jerry Cooney is an Irish-American former professional boxer who gained recognition for his fight against Larry Holmes and his victory over Ken Norton. He was born on Long Island into a family of Irish Catholics, and it was his father who convinced him to pursue boxing professionally. Jerry's brother, Tommy Cooney, also boxed and even reached the finals of the New York Golden Gloves tournament.

Even as an amateur, Jerry Cooney won several international tournaments in England, Wales, and Scotland. He also had victories in the Golden Gloves tournaments in 1973 and 1976. Cooney trained at a sports club on Long Island under the guidance of John Capobianco. As an amateur, he secured 55 wins and only had three losses.

Cooney began his professional career on February 15, 1977, with a knockout victory over Billy Jackson in the first round. He won his next nine fights, which greatly enhanced his reputation, although his opponents were carefully chosen. After moving up in weight class, Cooney won 12 more fights against opponents of varying levels.

In 1980, Cooney gained national attention by defeating dangerous opponents such as Jimmy Young and Ron Lyle, both of whom he knocked out. He was regarded as the best WBC fighter at the time and had a burning desire to fight Larry Holmes. In 1981, Cooney had the opportunity to fight former heavyweight champion Ken Norton. Within 54 seconds of the first round, Cooney knocked out Norton and set a record for the fastest knockout in a competition of this level at Madison Square Garden.

Cooney's managers were hesitant to risk such an outstanding player, so he didn't fight again for 13 months. In 1982, Cooney finally agreed to fight Larry Holmes, with the winner set to receive 10 million dollars. The promotion for the fight focused on racial aspects, much to Cooney's dismay. If he had won, Cooney would have become the first white heavyweight champion since Ingemar Johansson. Cooney fought fiercely and skillfully, even enduring a knockdown in the second round. In the 10th round, Cooney delivered a series of successful punches, earning himself three points. However, it was not enough to change the overall situation, as Holmes had exhausted his opponent by the 12th round. In the 13th round, Cooney's trainer stopped the fight to save him from further punishment.

In 1984, Cooney returned to the ring and won against Phillip Brown. He had another victory later that year, but personal issues eventually led him to retire from the sport. He made one more unsuccessful attempt at a comeback, but he was unable to regain his former glory. Cooney's last fight took place in 1990.

Jerry Cooney currently resides in Fanwood, New Jersey, with his wife and three children.