Larry Holmes vs Gerry Cooney – Highlights (The PRIDE & The GLORY)

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June 11th, 1982. “The Pride & The Glory” was a historic heavyweight boxing fight that took place on this day when 2 undefeated fighters; power punching challenger “Gentleman” Gerry Cooney and reigning WBC World Champion “The Easton Assassin” Larry Holmes collided on this day in one of the most memorable title fights in history.

Prefight records; Holmes 39(29)-0, Cooney 25(21)-0.

Holmes was the 8-5 favorite making the 12th defense of his WBC Crown that he won back in Jun 1978 against seasoned veteran Ken Norton via SD, in one of the greatest heavyweight bouts of all time.

Larry Holmes’ promoter Don King, controversially began campaigning to build public interests while heavily emphasizing on race.

“This is a white and black fight,” King said. “Anyway you look at it, you cannot change that. Gerry Cooney: Irish, white, Catholic.”

The fact here hasn’t been a White man to hold the World Heavyweight Champion for 22 years further elevated the race issue; the last White World Heavyweight Champion was Ingemar Johansson who reigned from Jun 1959 to June 1960.

Cooney’s managers Mike Jones and Dennis Rappaport (known in the media as “The Whacko Twins) fanned the flames as well, implying that Cooney was “White America’s Champion”.

“I do not respect Larry Holmes as a human being,” Rappaport said. “I don’t think he’s carried the championship with dignity. He’s not the white man, he’s the right man,” Rappaport added.

Racial tensions began to rise due to controversial campaigning methods by both camps, where Holmes started receiving death threats with his property vandalized. The Ku Klux Klan staged rallies in support of Cooney to make matters worse.

Holmes began receiving death threats in the run-up to the fight and his property was vandalized.

As precaution, snipers were positioned on rooftops overlooking the outdoor ring.

Cooney had beaten former top heavyweights such as Jimmy Young, Ron Lyle and Ken Norton. However, all of these opponents were well past their bests at that juncture.

On the other hand, Holmes in his 5th year as WBC World Heavyweight Champion had notable wins over Mike Weaver, Roy Williams, Alfredo Evangelista, Rodney Bobick, Trevor Berbick, Leon Spinks, Renaldo Snipes, Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers (2x).

There were several other issues of note going into the fight;

1) Cooney even as the challenger was featured in the front cover of Time Magazine with Sylvester Stallone and was also in the front cover of Sports Illustrated. On the other hand, reigning champion Holmes was pushed to the inside flap.
2) In anticipation of Cooney’s victory, a special hotline was installed in Cooney’s dressing room so he could receive a congratulatory phone call from President Ronald Reagan while no such hotline was installed in Holmes’ dressing room.
3) Ring announcer Chuck Hull announced Larry Holmes (the champion) first before Cooney which is against boxing’s tradition. It was seen as a deliberate attempt to disrespect The Easton Assassin.

Both fighters displayed tremendous fighting heart in the fight, with Cooney proving his devastating power while Holmes’ legendary boxing skills were in full display. Cooney was deducted a total of 3 points for the many low blows he landed.

From the mid rounds on, Holmes started to take command of the fight though he was troubled earlier particularly by Cooney’s body blows. As Cooney continued to be punished, his trainer Victor Valle halted the fight in the 13th frame to save his fighter.

By the time of the stoppage, judges Dave Moretti and Duane Ford only had Holmes ahead by 2 points at 113-111 apiece which were suspicious as Holmes was clearly well ahead considering the 3 point deductions for Cooney. Only Jerry Roth (a substitute for Herb Santos) had Holmes ahead 115-109 which was a far more realistic reflection of what took place.

After the loss, Gerry Cooney repeatedly apologizes to his fans as he felt like he let his supporters down;

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” he said. “I tried with all my heart.”

Hope you guys enjoy this highlight of one of boxing’s most memorable fights of all time!