Muhammad Ali last night paid tribute to ?my friend, Henry Cooper.? The British sporting legend, Sir Henry, passed away aged 76, on Sunday.
A statement was released by Ali, here in the United States, which read: ?I am at a loss for words over the death of my friend, Henry Cooper,? Ali said in a statement Sunday night. ?I was not aware he was ill. I visited with him two summers ago during a brief visit to Windsor as part of the Equestrian Games being held there. He was in good humour and looked quite fit.?
?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.?
Cooper floored Ali, then an up-and-coming contender named Clay, in a 1963 non-title fight at Wembley Stadium.
