This would be a tough, physical fight. I think Jirov is the more talented fighter but it wouldn't surprise me if Cooper caught him.
I think Jirov needs more head movement to be the guy with his hand raised at the end. A lot more head movement is needed against this opponent & the punches he throws. That and the stepping on the gas and going forward with that defense. Just do not like it and there are other cruisers capable of giving him major problems as well. He did the best with what he had but there are landmines out there for him.
Jirov despite his height came forward and was alarmingly easy to hit. His strengths were a high volume punch output and endurance. At CW he would outpoint cooper but at hw i think Cooper wins by stoppage
You are correct about how hittable he became. I remember when Jirov was an amateur and he was way more of a boxer/puncher. When he turned pro and started working with Thell Torence, he became more of a swarming body puncher. Weird change in style considering how effective he was when he was on his toes. I'll never forget how good he was at the 96' Olympics in Atlanta. He was lights out in that tournament.
Jirov that fought Toney vs Cooper that fought Real Deal I got Jirov. Maybe i'm missing something and Smokin Bert would be a giant in the ring next to Jirov? That's possible I guess. Still...I think Jirov aguanta mas.
Is this at Cruiserweight or Heavyweight? Jirov’s superior work rate would definitely be a problem for Cooper, but I think Bert eventually tags him with something big and gets a stoppage while being behind on the scorecards.
I think that there were some nights when Bert Cooper might have taken this. But he was just so damn inconsistent
