Is this true about Muhammad Ali and Henry Cooper

This is not true but a longstanding myth. You can find threads about it in the classic section.

What is true is that Ali received smelling salts after the round, which were still legal in America but banned already in Britain where the fight took place. I believe Dundee probably didn't know the rules or forgot them in heat of the moment. The ref could of disqualified Ali for receiving them but didn't notice.

 

I will tell what is true is he was badly hurt and the bell done him a favour. The guy wouldn't have been the greatest if he was knocked out by Cooper.

 

definitely saved by the bell and he got an extra 20 secs rest, so 80 secs to regain his senses via smelling salts banned in Britain.

 

There is an interview with Dundee where he says he noticed an opening in the seem of Ali's glove, stuck his finger in it to widen it, then alerted the referee. The word "cut" is probably an unfair word to use. This bought Ali more time to clear his head, which he needed. Let's just admit Dundee was a great cornerman and every other cornerman wishes he was as resourceful.

 

Dundee was resourceful and not irresponsible like Panama Lewis the deadliest corner man on earth.

 

Ali was a tough SOB...not sure how Cooper had him.

 

in the interview with Dundee....if memory serves....Dundee admits that he tore or cut Ali's glove. They had no replacement at ringside and that the ref allowed him to send someone to get another in the locker room. Dundee whispered to the guy to take his time. This extended the time for Ali to recover. Will try to find the interview....that is the best I can remember it.

 

That "greatest" status isn't primarily dependent on his boxing record or ability. IMHO

He is still considered the greatest even though he has losses to:


1. Trevor Berbick

2. Larry Holmes

3. Leon Spinks

4. Ken Norton

5. Joe Frazier

He should have seven losses but was given a gift in the second Norton and the Jimmy Young fights.

BTW
Spinks had seventeen losses on his record. That's more than Cooper had.

 

My point is had Ali been knocked out that night who knows how his career would have been viewed, remember he was unbeaten at the time.

Most of the defeats you have highlighted were at the end of his career.

 

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I understands. My point was that to me it seems as if such a defeat would have been taken in the same way all his other defeats were in reference to his greatness because his greatness transcends boxing. Please note that in the African American community his boxing skills are secondary to the racial pride that he engendered via his positive self image. He was not merely a sportsman but a poet, scholar and entertainer as well. For these things he will be remembered more that jus because he was fast of hands and for a time was unbeatable. Many others may have given a similar impression but none in the unique manner that Ali did.

 

I know the story fella.

 

Do you agree with it?

 

All true. Ali probably doesn't win that fight if not for Dundee's craftiness.