Gerry Cooney Autographed “Knockout” 8×10 Photo (JSA)

Equipped with his big left-hook and imposing size, Gerry Cooney set out on his professional career. In 1982 came and Cooney’s life changed. Larry Holmes agreed to fight him, with a purse of ten million dollars for the challenger, making it the richest fight in boxing history up to that time. The promotion of the fight took on racial overtones that were tastelessly exaggerated by the promoters in both camps, something Cooney did not agree with, as he believed that skill, not race, should determine whether any boxer was good. Nevertheless, if Cooney won, he would be the first white world heavyweight champion in 23 years (since Swede Ingemar Johansson defeated Floyd Patterson by a third round TKO), which prompted Don King to call him "The Great White Hope." In this circus atmosphere, the upcoming fight drew huge attention worldwide. Larry Holmes vs. Gerry Cooney was one of the biggest closed-circuit/pay-per-view productions in history, broadcast to over 150 countries. Overall, Cooney compiled a professional record of 28 wins and 3 losses, with 24 knockouts.

Offered for auction is an 8×10 photo signed boldly in silver by Cooney. The photo will come with an official hologram of authenticity (PSI) and JSA authentication.

JSA Authentication

1982,Boxing,Photo,Record,Signed  Don King,Floyd Patterson,Gerry Cooney,Larry Holmes

Auction End: 09-May-09  Post Views: 2761

20  Price; $0.00 – $0.00