Who Is Henry Cooper? Age, Biography and Wiki
Henry Cooper was born on May 3, 1934, in London, England. He gained fame in the boxing world during the 1950s and 1960s, famously known for his powerful left hook. Cooper had a professional career spanning over three decades, marked by his bouts against legendary boxers like Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. He passed away on May 1, 2011, but his impact on the sport and British culture remains prominent.
| Occupation | Soldiers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 3, 1934 |
| Age | 76 Years |
| Birth Place | Lambeth, London, England |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 1 May, 2011 |
| Died Place | Limpsfield, Surrey, England |
Popularity
Henry Cooper's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Henry Cooper stood at an impressive height of 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) and weighed around 201 lbs (91 kg) during his boxing career. His build was characterized by strength and agility, making him a formidable opponent in the ring.
Although Cooper was left-handed, he used the "orthodox" stance, with his strongest (left) hand and foot forward, rather than the reversed "southpaw" stance more usually adopted by a left-handed boxer. Opponents were thus hit hardest with punches which Cooper could throw from his front hand, closest to the opponent.
At its most effective, his hook - dubbed "Enry's 'Ammer" ("Henry's hammer") - had an upward uppercut-like trajectory. A formidable left jab, from which he could hook quickly, completed his offensive repertoire. While cut-prone and no great defensive technician, Cooper compensated by forcing the action in his bouts.
After developing a left shoulder problem in the latter half of his career, he adjusted to put more stress on right-handed punches.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Henry Cooper was married to his wife, Albina, for many years until his passing. The couple shared a deep bond, and they had three children together. While there isn’t much information regarding any relationships outside of his marriage, Cooper was known for his commitment to family.
- Spouse: Albina Cooper (deceased)
- Children: 3
Cooper became a "Name" at Lloyd's of London, but in the 1990s he was reportedly one of those who suffered enormous personal losses because of the unlimited liability which a "Name" was then responsible for, being forced to sell his Lonsdale belts.
Subsequently, Cooper's popularity as an after dinner speaker provided a source of income, and he was in most respects a picture of contentment although becoming more subdued in the years following his wife's sudden death aged 71.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Henry Cooper's estimated net worth was around $10 million. His earnings came mainly from his boxing career, endorsements, and various business ventures he pursued after retiring from the sport. His charisma and popularity also offered him many opportunities in television and public appearances, contributing to his financial success.
Career, Business and Investments
Henry Cooper's boxing career was the cornerstone of his legacy. He achieved multiple titles, including the British heavyweight champion, and was known for his famous fight against Muhammad Ali, where he knocked Ali down in the fourth round. Beyond boxing, Cooper ventured into the world of television, appearing in numerous commercials and TV shows. He also engaged in business pursuits, including launching a successful line of boxing equipment.
Life was tough in the latter years of the Second World War, and London life especially brought many dangers during the blackout. Cooper took up many jobs, including a paper round before school, and made money out of recycling golf balls to the clubhouse on the Beckenham course.
All three of the Cooper brothers excelled in sport, with George and Henry exercising talents particularly in football and also cricket.
Cooper started his boxing career in 1949, as an amateur with the Bellingham Boxing Club based at Athelney St School in Bellingham which was run and founded by Albert Colley and won seventy-three of eighty-four contests.
At the age of seventeen, he won the first of two ABA light-heavyweight titles before National Service in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps as Private Service Number 22486464.
Social Network
Though Henry Cooper is no longer with us, he remains a cherished figure on social media platforms where fans and sports enthusiasts celebrate his legacy. Various fan pages and tribute accounts continue to share memorable moments from his career, his fights, and interviews, keeping his spirit alive.
In 1966 Cooper fought Ali for the heavyweight championship, for a second time at Arsenal Stadium, Highbury. However, Ali was now alert to the danger posed by Cooper's left and more cautious than he had been in the previous contest; he held Cooper in a vice-like grip during clinches, and when told to break leapt backward several feet.
Accumulated scar tissue around Cooper's eyes made him more vulnerable than in the previous meeting and a serious cut was opened by Ali, which led to the fight being stopped, Cooper again losing to Ali via technical knockout.
Education
Cooper received his early education in London and, like many athletes of his time, opted to focus on his boxing career instead of pursuing higher academic qualifications. His experiences in the ring and life provided him with invaluable lessons that influenced his approach to both boxing and business.
Cooper was the only person present who recalled a longer delay and because the surviving BBC tape of the bout is only of what was actually broadcast, it has been claimed a longer delay may have been edited out for transmission. Study of the tape shows no break and the commentary is also unbroken so the 6 second interval extension is correct.
Ali started the 5th round aggressively, attempting to make good his prediction of a 5th-round knockout and opened a severe cut under Cooper's eye. Ali hit Cooper with a succession of hard rights knocking out his gumshield and Cooper's corner threw in the towel.
Referee Tommy Little stopped the fight, and thus Ali defeated Cooper by technical knockout. Subsequently, a spare pair of gloves was always required at ringside. On the 40th anniversary of the fight, Ali telephoned Cooper to reminisce.
