Which trainer could have better developed a Gerry Cooney in his prime?

Peekaboo defense sucks unless you duck enough opponents, stay away from cus

 

nazeem Richardson

 

A trainer that actually built his confidence instead of the opposite which is what his team did

 

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Probably Eddie Futch.

 

Victor Vallee, was a great trainer, he knew more about boxing than trainers managed.

 

Manny Steward

No one was going to turn a one handed fighter into an ATG. Lewis had two hands. Yes, Lewis's left hook (barring the Bruno fight) wasn't great but it was a good punch. His left jab was excellent and his right hand was sheer dynamite.

Cooney, in contrast, had only his left. His right was largely non existent. There is only so much you can do with him.

I do think Cooney's people should have put him in against other notable guys instead of fighting Holmes in 82. Cooney could have beaten Holmes in a 12 rounder in 84 or 85.

However, a young Tyson would have ended Cooney's reign.

Best case scenario: Cooney trained by Steward could win the title of an aging Holmes in 84 and hold onto it for a couple of years.

 

In the 80's Dundee could have developed his jab and footwork. Cooney was brave but not very durable so that could have made him more well rounded and able to survive longer when hurt. Strange that such a tall fighter didn't always utilize his reach and often got into close range to dig to the body and throw hooks. The only problem with Dundee was his fighters didnt always sit down on their punches and rarely went to the body, which were 2 of Cooney's best traits. However, Dundee was very good at hyping and encouraging his fighters. That's something Cooney desperately needed as he was filled with doubt and a lack of confidence from his abusive dad and the way his management fed him shot old fighters didn't exactly help develop him. Psychology is very important in boxing and Dundee could have really helped in that regard even if he wasn't the best fit from a technical side of things.

I completely disagree on Steward. He always turned taller guys into clinch spammers and outside bullies. Nothing wrong with that if your goal is to win, play to your strengths. But Cooney wasnt that kind of fighter at all. He lacked the uppercut and other tools to keep short guys from coming in, and such a style would have sacrificed his power and inside fighting ability.

I think Futch is the best answer. Norton and Bowe could use their jab and box or they could mix it up at close range despite being 6'3+. Whatever methods he was using worked really well and made his fighters more balanced.

 

Cooney problem his managers
the trainer Victor Vallee. good as any trainer. did nothing wrong
but the managers they only look to build Cooney up & get big "" title shot ' . not care to get activity & fights to develop properly as boxer. left him stay out of ring & avoid good fighter on way up.

 

Manny Steward possibly.
Maybe, perhaps Cooney went as far as he was ever gonna go.
But Steward might have improved him?