I don't think this is much of a fight. I think Cooney had much greater potential than he showed, but Tim had real skills, and is generally accepted at the third best heavy of the 80's, although Thomas, Tucker, and a couple of others have their advocates. It is notable that when Tim came back in, what, 88 or 89, he challenged the winner of Foreman-Cooney on Tuesday Night fights. Of course Foreman won, so whether Cooney would have accepted or not is moot.
Tim Witherspoon was released from Gerry Cooney’s training camp for getting the better of him in sparring. This doesn’t bode well for Cooney in a head to head matchup. But there’s no shame in that. Tim beat a lot of the better fighters of his era and feared by many. He was a very difficult fighter to beat.
Depends if Gerry was in his "I don't want the scrutiny of being famous" period or really wanted to win. If he wants to win and comes out looking to lay down some damage, much tougher fight for Witherspoon and Cooney probably wins 3 or 4/10 in mythical matchups. Witherspoon is the worst possible matchup for Cooney. I think he would've swallowed Tubbs up and kayoed Page myself, but not Witherspoon.
Cooney would have his moments, a bit similar to his bout with Foreman, but class soon shows and Terrible Tim takes him out in the 6th round. How about Cooney vs Bruno? Bruno vs Ruddock? Ruddock vs Cooney? Cooney vs Morrison?
