By James Slater: “Gentleman” Gerry Cooney, the 1980s heavyweight star who battled plenty of great fighters, still follows the sport today; even though America has no reigning heavyweight champion. Cooney, who retired with a fine 28-3(24) record, believes this will change in the future, and that boxing will “make a comeback” to it’s glory days.
Gerry never became champion himself, having to face the all-time greats that are Larry Holmes and Michael Spinks (when past his best in the case of the fight with Spinks). Yet if he were around today, many fans feel he would have a great shot at reaching the top.
Still, Gerry doesn’t live in the past, anymore than he thinks of what might have been. Content with how his career went, the 54-year-old who got out with his faculties well and truly intact, is always happy to talk boxing with a writer today.
Here is what Gerry had to say today on a number of subjects:
James Slater: Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with me, Gerry. The fans still talk about you, and how America could use a heavyweight like you today!
Gerry Cooney: It’s always a pleasure to talk.
J.S: I’m not sure if you realise it, Gerry, but it’s 34 years ago next Tuesday (Feb 15th) that you had your pro debut! Can you remember that fight? You KO’d a guy called Bill Jackson.
G.C: It’s how long – 34 years! Wow. Yeah, I do remember that night. It was at Sunny Side Gardens, and that fight was the last time they used that arena. I had a great night; I earned $100 that night.
J.S: Were you nervous?
G.C: Yeah I was nervous, my first time out and all; it was a little nerve-racking! He [Jackson] was a big guy, a George Foreman look-a-like. But I caught him with some good punches and I took him out.
J.S: In your career, you always fought the best without hesitation – guys like Larry Holmes, George Foreman, Ron Lyle, Jimmy Young, Ken Norton. Today, a lot of fighters don’t do that, they pick and choose more. Why do you think that is?
G.C: I really don’t understand that; I don’t. I know you have to develop a guy and take it easy with him early on, but at the same time, there are fighters who are like 8-0, 9-0, challenging for world titles. The game has just changed a great deal, that’s all I can say.
J.S: It really has. I never thought there’d be a time when America didn’t have a single heavyweight champion! Do you see this changing? Are there any good U.S heavies on the way up?
G.C: I do believe it will happen. It’s like with any business: you have to invest in it. And for a while, boxing lost it’s way; the fans kind of got robbed and the fighters got robbed. People lost interest. But it’s definitely coming back, boxing is. I was at a card recently, and there were five really good heavyweights fighting. Boxing, and heavyweight boxing, will make a big comeback. It will happen.
J.S: Do you see any of the top contenders – either David Haye, Alexander Povetkin, Odlanier Solis or Tomasz Adamek – beating the Klitschkos?
G.C: I don’t see any of those guys beating them, no. Especially not David Haye, who I don’t think has enough courage to fight them; he just likes talking about it. It’s going to be difficult to beat those two – they have that long jab and Emanuel Steward has really taught [Wladimir] how to fight. The way to beat them, and I’ve said it before, is to go to the body; chop that body down. No-one does that anymore. We used to love going to the body, because when that happens the head is ready to fall.
J.S: Of all the fights you had, is there one that sticks out most fresh in your mind today?
G.C: Yes – the fight I had with my wife (laughs). No, it is the Holmes fight. I went in with one of the greatest fighters ever, and I went 13-rounds with the man. My alcohol problems made it difficult for me and I was over-trained, even though I had 13 months between the Norton fight and the fight with Larry – but it was a great fight.
J.S: It definitely was. I love watching it today. Do you ever sit down and watch your old fights?
G.C: Sometimes I do, if they’re on T.V. I never watch the quick knockouts, though (laughs). I have a highlight film, and I take that with me whenever I go out to speak in public. I show that to the fans.
J.S: I also vividly remember your fight with Foreman. You shook him with your left hook in the 1st-round. Do you think that had you had a tune-up, your timing would have been better and you may have beaten him?
G.C: I really did [wobble him]. But [Gil] Clancy wanted me to move around for six, seven rounds and then go in. But a puncher, when he hurts someone, he goes for it. But my timing was off and I got caught myself.
J.S: Do you think you’d have done better had you had a tune-up or two? I know you had that closed sparring session, without head-guards, I think with Wesley Watson.
G.C: If I’d had that luxury [of a tune-up], yes, of course. But I was actually promoting a couple of George’s fights then, and he asked me one day if I’d like to fight him. I thought, ‘why not? I’ve never done it sober before!’ And I was a year sober and I got myself in great condition. But I needed a little longer for my timing to come back.
J.S: Are you friends with a lot of your former opponents these days, Gerry? I know you and Holmes are good friends.
G.C: I’m with these guys all the time, because of all the appearances we do. I catch up with these guys all the time; especially Holmes. I’d kick his ass today, but he won’t fight me again! (laughs)
J.S: I’m sure you would, Gerry. You’re in much better shape than he is today! It’s been great speaking with you.
G.C: Any time you need anything.