A British boxing legend and charismatic commentator, famous for his formidable punching power and iconic fights against Muhammad Ali, as well as his warm and witty broadcasting style.
Sir Henry Cooper is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers to ever come out of Britain. He was undefeated in British and Commonwealth heavyweight championship contests for twelve years and held the European heavyweight title for three years.
Cooper was born on May 3, 1934, in Lambeth, London, to Henry Snr and Lily Cooper. He grew up in a council house on Farmstead Road on the Bellingham Estate in South East London with his identical twin brother, George, and elder brother, Bern.
During the Second World War, the Cooper brothers were evacuated to Lancing on the Sussex coast. Life was tough, and Henry took up various jobs, including a paper round before school, and made money by recycling golf balls to the clubhouse on the Beckenham course.
All three brothers excelled in sport, particularly in football and cricket. Henry started his boxing career in 1949 as an amateur with the Bellingham Boxing Club, winning 73 of 84 contests. At 17, he won his first ABA lightheavyweight title before National Service in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps.
Cooper turned professional in 1952 and went on to win the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles. He defended his titles successfully for 12 years, becoming a household name in Britain.
Cooper's most notable fights were against the legendary Muhammad Ali. In 1963, he knocked Ali down in Round 4, but the fight was stopped in Round 5 due to a cut above Cooper's eye.
In 1966, Cooper fought Ali again for the world heavyweight title. Unfortunately, he lost due to another eye injury. These fights cemented Cooper's reputation as a formidable opponent and a true British boxing legend.
Cooper was twice voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year and was knighted in 2000, becoming the only British boxer to receive this honor.
Sir Henry Cooper remained a popular public figure after retiring from boxing in 1971. He continued to be involved in the sport, attending boxing events and supporting up-and-coming boxers.
Cooper's legacy extends beyond the boxing ring. He inspired a generation of young boxers and remains an iconic figure in British sports history.
Sir Henry Cooper will always be remembered as a true British boxing legend, a hero to many, and an inspiration to generations to come.
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