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Henry CooperEnglish heavyweight boxer
Date of Birth: 03.05.1934
Country:  Great Britain |
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Biography of Henry Cooper
Henry Cooper was an English heavyweight boxer, best known for his powerful left hook. He delivered a knockout blow to the young Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay. Cooper held the British and European heavyweight titles.
Early Life
Cooper was born in Westminster, London and grew up with his twin brother George in a municipal housing estate in southeast London. During World War II, the Cooper family was evacuated to Lancing, Sussex. Cooper's father, Henry Cooper Sr., was called up to the army in 1942, and the family only reunited in 1945.
Early Boxing Career
Cooper's interest in sports began when he started helping his family during the difficult war years. He took on various odd jobs such as delivering newspapers and repurposing used golf balls. It was during this time that he developed a passion for sports, particularly football and cricket. Cooper started boxing in 1949 and had a successful amateur career, winning 73 out of 84 matches in a local club. At the age of 17, he won a championship in the Amateur Boxing Association's light heavyweight division.
Professional Career
Cooper and his brother George, who fought under the name "Jim Cooper," turned professional under the guidance of Jim Wicks, a prominent figure in English boxing at the time. Cooper faced setbacks early in his career, but eventually gained recognition by defeating Zora Folley and Brian London to win the British and Commonwealth titles. However, Cooper's most notable victory was his win over a young Muhammad Ali. Throughout his career, Cooper also fought and defeated notable boxers such as Roy Harris, Karl Mildenberger, and Alex Miteff.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1969, Cooper was awarded the Order of the British Empire, and in 2000, he was knighted. Even after retiring from boxing, he continued to appear regularly on television and radio. Cooper passed away on May 1, 2011, after a prolonged illness. His legacy as one of Britain's greatest heavyweight boxers remains, and he is remembered for his powerful left hook and memorable bouts against some of the sport's most formidable opponents.
