Over 12, the best version of each, easy pickings for Wlad or does Gerry get him with that left hook? Apologies if done before
How many good fighters did Wlad beat "quickly?" Especially ones that posed a potential threat to his less than sturdy chin.
It's more of a Cooney not being very good thing than a Wlad perceiving him as a threat and tactically taking him out early
I agree that Wlad should win this. But, Wlad always fought cautiously (often over cautiously) against any fighters that could punch. Wlad has far superior skills to Cooney. But, make no mistake, Cooney's left hook would definitely KO Wlad if it landed. I think Wlad would play it ultra safe, and not open up at all until Cooney was tired and busted up from Wlad's jab. And if Cooney came right after Wlad like he did against Norton or Ron Lyle, it could be light's out for Wlad quickly.
Young Wlad gets knocked out Sanders-style Prime Wlad stops Cooney late after a boring jab and grab fight
Wlad all day long. It might go a while though Cooney could crack and Wlad was always cautious with punchers.
Vlad pretty dominantly - Cooney had a killer hook but Vlad not geting stopped by a one-handed fighter - Vlad KO
Prime Wlad schools Cooney. It'll be very boring but Cooney ain't landing that left hook. Peak Wlad was so good at avoiding punches, it's not even funny. He used a long guard where he'd stretch his arms out and parry your punches mid-way. You rarely saw anyone land a left hook on Wlad. It was usually the overhand right that he could be hit with (same ol' low lead). I don't see Cooney winning this fight at all. I do believe Cooney was a very good boxer (judging from the Holmes fight) but he was never the best as utilizing his size and reach. Wlad will outjab him from the opening bell, grab him when he gets close. Cooney was susceptible to the right hand imo, if set-up correctly. Cooney wasn't the guy who moved his head, he parried punches and blocked them "answering the telephone" style. Holmes set him up by throwing a decoy jab to the body, when Cooney parries the jab, he glues his right hand to the right side of his face (anticipating a right hand). Fundamentally sound defence. Holmes didn't commit to the jab, he drew the parry and threw the right hand. Cooney went out to parry the jab but right hand was already on its way. That's how Holmes dropped Cooney in the 2nd. Tbf, prime Holmes had some of the fastest hands in heavyweight history. Another thing Holmes did to land right hands was aim for the forehead. Cooney blocks the right hand correctly but his skulls or upper head is exposed. If you aim for the chin, he'll most likely block it. That's how Holmes wobbled him in the 6th round. Cooney boxed well in that fight tbh. That was prime Cooney. I think Wladimir's style doesn't do him any favours. Wlad is so selective with his punches and he won't allow Cooney to work on the inside. Wladimir will spend about 10 or 11 rounds looking for the perfect right hand and he'll stop Cooney when/if he lands. Otherwise a lopsided decision. Whatever your strength is, Wladimir could neutralize it. He was a very intelligent fighter. His chin was questionable but it was hard to reach in his prime. Wlad would beat lots of greats believe it or not. He could box and he had that right hand. They don't call him Dr. Steelhammer for no reason.
So trial horse Purrity, walking Heavy bag Brewster and a freaking flash in the pan Golfer who never won a meaningful fight before or after are able to beat WK without much fuss, zero finesse involved, no tactical levels or boxing clinics, no, they simple walked him down and now he is going to wax a prime Cooney who gave Holmes a very stern test.............and Holmes took Cooney very seriously, a lot more serious than the usual arm chair pistoleros on this forum. If zero skill fat Caveman Sam Peter can land wide slow telegraphed hooks from a mile away Cooney will reach WK's chin too with the left hook, guaranteed, and we all know how much glass WK is packing. That is a 50/50 fight, jab and grab aint working with Cooney due to his size and strenght...........WK folded like a cheap suit after Brewster hit him with a body shot.........same shot from Cooney will end the fight.
Cooney's hook was a wrecking ball. Hard fight to call but I can clearly envision being Wlad melted by Cooney. Can't see how Foreman withstood those body shots. Freaking ouch!
Wlad had confidence issues after the Sanders bout I think it led to his hyper ventilation against Brewster and even to his somewhat poor showing against Davyryl Williamson. However once Wlad got rolling by the time of the Chagaev bout the guy was as dominant a heavy as i’ve Seen. Barely losing a round, that version of Wlad beats any version of Cooney and most heavies in history. It wasn’t always pretty most of the time it was a snooze fest and yes he would be cautious with Cooney as he was with any heavy but Cooney isn’t winning that fight. And I rate Cooney as a good fighter. But he was one handed and not physically strong for his size. Wlad tko round 7
Wlad’s footwork is too good. Blitzing sluggers like Lyle and Norton whom couldn’t go backwards doesn’t mean blitzing Wlad would work, and Wlad’s chin isn’t as bad as everyone always claims it is. I give Cooney little chance of winning this fight but he would have punchers Chance.
