I would favor Baer here. Both of them could hit like a truck, and both have thin resumes at the top level, but Buddy's top end work was a bit better.
Cooney. Speed and technique kills here IMO. Although I wouldn't be adversed to someone picking the guy with a better chin.
I'm going for cooney I think his body shot could be very important in this fight and I see it setting up a stoppage victory
I have a problem with this fight. On one hand, Cooney was faster and more technically sound puncher which would give him more oppenings. Gerry was extremely powerful, he could hurt even very durable guys. Baer had weak defense, which wouldn't project too well for him. On the other hand, Cooney has much worse chin than Baer. It'd be definitely a brawl (Cooney wouldn't box with Baer) and Baer (like his brother) although sloppy was very agressive in exchanges. He's just as powerful as Cooney and I can see him dealing better with taken shots. Both guys were very big (Baer has reach advantage) and both were solid contenders. It's a fight where one punch could be a factor.
Even Michael Spinks beat Larry Holmes and I think we can both agree that Buddy Baer>>>>Michael Spinks
