Did Jean-Pierre Coopmans give the 'talented' Belgian Heavyweights a bad name. The Lion of Flanders, looked better than he fought. Jean-Pierre Coopman, 'It is better to look good, than to perform well.'
Jean-Pierre Coopmans The Lion of Flanders,,,,,a 6' 0" 200 lb. 'a wicked infighter, with a tremendous heart' Ran his record to 24-3-1 (14 KO's), and was the 'Terror of the North-Central European Heavyweights'. The 29 year-old, was listed as 'armed and dangerous' by promoter Don King, who stated that Muhammad Ali is going to be in 'big trouble tonight.' Unfortunately, Jean-Pierre, who had never fought outside of his home-country of Belgium, and was affected by the air in Puerto Rico, which was too heavy to get into his lungs. Jean-Pierre, 'The air was humid, and very heavy. I couldn't get my lungs acclimated to the weather. By the 4th-Round, it hurt to breathe.' [url] This content is protected [/url]
Jean-Pierre Coopmans did redeem himself after the 'disaster performance' versus Muhammad Ali. March 12, 1977 By winning the European Heavyweight Championship, by stopping (KO 4) Jose L. Urtain in Belgium. That victory got Jean-Pierre some attention, as a possible opponent for 'Smokin Joe' Frazier who was still thinking of continuing in 1977.
The 'Courageous'...........Lion Vent Lion Vent.........alias 'The Man from Gent' A personal favorite who turned professional in October 1960 and retired in January 1970 Posted a respectable record of 25-18-1 (17 KO's) Had the 'Belgian' respect, of never being defeated in a Belgian Championship bout, and also held both the Light-Heavyweight and Heavyweight Titles. A 6' 0" 175 lb. 'powerhouse', who could hold his own with the bigger Heavyweights. [url] This content is protected [/url]
