Philippines, 24 Oct 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


HENRY COOPER WHO KNOCKED DOWN ALI, PASSES AWAY


PhilBoxing.com




Former British heavyweight champion Henry Cooper, one of Britain's most popular sportsmen who was best known for knocking down Muhammad Ali while he was still known as Cassius Clay has passed away at the age of 76.

Ali said in a statement "I am at a loss for words over the death of my friend, Henry Cooper. Henry always had a smile for me; a warm and embracing smile. It was always a pleasure being in Henry's company. I will miss my ole friend. He was a great fighter and a gentleman. My family and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family and loved ones.?

Ali said he visited with Cooper two summers ago during a visit to Windsor.
Cooper dropped Ali, then known as Clay in the fourth round with a patented left hook, the same punch that Joe Frazier used to knock Ali down in their first clash years later. The fight took place at Wembley Stadium in 1963.

Ali?s trainer Angelo Dundee ripped open an already torn glove of Ali and gained some time for the young American to recover which he did and hammered Cooper badly in the next round that the referee had no choice but to stop the bout.

British newspaper reports said Dundee brought a rip in Ali's gloves to the attention of the referee and Ali had time to recover while new gloves were located and brought to the ring.
In a rematch in 1966 at Highbury Stadium in London Ali who was then world champion retained his title by stopping a bruised and bloodied Cooper in the 6th round.

Cooper had a record of 40-14-1 in a 16 year career. He won the British, European and Commonwealth heavyweight titles but never the world crown. He was extremely popular in Britain because of his friendly personality and gentlemanly manner.

Robert Smith, the general secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control said "He's not the only one who wasn't good enough to beat Ali but for such a small man, he put up some great performances in a world-class context. It's not just the boxing and your ability, it's the personality as well. He won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year on two occasions, which is a tremendous feat for a boxer. Everyone called him 'Our Enry,' and he was much loved. He served boxing wonderfully."

Cooper retired in 1971 shortly after losing his British, European and Commonwealth belts to Joe Bugner by a quarter of a point. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2000.

Well known British promoter Frank Warren said "He transcended boxing, He was a true gentleman of sport and had a huge place in the public's affection. He never won the world title but he had true British grit, he tried. His weakness was that he cut very easily."

Cooper also fought heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson.

WBA heavyweight champion David Haye said "One of Britain's greatest sportsmen Sir Henry Cooper passed away today. A true warrior and great human being. Rest in Peace."

Former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis tweeted: "R.I.P. Sir Henry Cooper. Former British, Commonwealth and European Champion. My deepest condolences to the Cooper family."

WBA light welterweight champion Amir Khan told BBC Radio that his compatriot had encouraged him in the early stages of his professional career. Khan said "I met Henry in London a few times. He was very humble, we had a good conversation about my own career and what steps I should be taking. He told me not to rush it as a pro, pick the right fights at the right time. I'm young and there are bigger fights ahead. It was great advice."

Cooper had a twin brother George, who turned professional with him in 1965, He died last year while Cooper's wife of 47 years, Albina, died in 2008 of a heart attack. The couple had two sons, Henry Marco and John Pietro.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES FULL FIGHT CARD FOR THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED U.S. DEBUT EVENT ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, IN TEMECULA, CALIF.
    , Fri, 24 Oct 2025
  • Mike Tyson visits Kinshasa, Congo to remember "Rumble in the Jungle"
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Fri, 24 Oct 2025
  • Former World Champ Javier Fortuna Takes on Rashidi Ellis Nov 1
    , Fri, 24 Oct 2025
  • When to stop a fight
    By Joaquin Henson, , Thu, 23 Oct 2025
  • AJ MANAS STUNS WORLD CHAMPION AS HOME HEROES DOMINATE LAST 16
    , Thu, 23 Oct 2025
  • NBA Daily: Spurs Dominate Mavs 125-92 Behind Wembanyama’s 40 in Season Opener
    By Reylan Loberternos, , Thu, 23 Oct 2025
  • Herlan Gomez Faces Jason Moloney in Australia: A Battle of Youth vs Experience (Analysis)
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 23 Oct 2025
  • GM Joey Antonio shares the lead in Italy World Seniors Chess Championships
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 23 Oct 2025
  • Ronny Alvarez Shines with 5th Round TKO Victory Over Bruno Pola on DAZN
    , Thu, 23 Oct 2025
  • TICKETS ON SALE NOW AS FLORES FACES CORDINA IN STOCKTON SHOWDOWN
    , Thu, 23 Oct 2025
  • Teflon Promotions Presents: The Replay: The Volume 1 on Saturday November 22nd at  The 6th Man Center in Philadelphia
    , Thu, 23 Oct 2025
  • DAY TWO: CHUA CRASHES OUT AS MANAS MARCHES ON IN MANILA
    , Thu, 23 Oct 2025
  • Doncic equals Kobe's record in the Lakers' NBA season opener
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 23 Oct 2025
  • THRILLA IN MANILA GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY 21: THE RELATIONSHIP OF MUHAMMAD ALI AND JOE FRAZIER
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Sumabong is new WBO Asia Pacific minimumweight champ
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Happy Birthday Reymart Soledad!
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • October 30: Mary Spencer-Mikaela Mayer Super Welterweight Title Showdown to Stream LIVE on Top Rank Classics FAST Channel
    , Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Pinoy chessers off to hot start in Italy World Senior Chess Championships
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Finalists for the WBC Grand Prix are Set
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Traya to fight again in Thailand on Oct. 25
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Texas super middleweight Darius Fulghum Preparing to get back in the title hunt
    , Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Aaron Pryor honored on his 70th birthday anniversary
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • DUONG SUFFERS SHOCK EXIT AS GORST OPENS STRONG IN MANILA
    , Tue, 21 Oct 2025
  • Marlon "Marvelous Captain" Manalo makes a comeback in the Philippine Open
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 21 Oct 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 20 OCTOBER 2025: Danny Garcia KOs Daniel Gonzalez; Juarez Defeats Nery; Bormann Unifies Belt vs Kuroki
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 21 Oct 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.