What happens when a club-fighter with a record padded with dives steps in to face a real journeyman? Oliver McCall said neither Tyson or Lennox hit him harder then Smokin' Bert - A promising career marred by addiction. This content is protected
I remember watching this fight on TV the night it took place. Had no idea what Melito had at the time, but quickly found out. Cooper was inconsistent enough that I could see why a guy like Melito would take the chance to fight him. From the looks of things though, Melito wouldn't have beaten even the most unmotivated version of Cooper. As far as Oliver McCall's comment, I don't believe he ever fought Cooper as a pro. Maybe he was talking about a sparring session between the two?
Bert Cooper managed to win the WBF belt. By all accounts, Bert was heard saying "finally won the Heavyweight belt" on leaving the arena. Felt so sorry for him, so close twice and then dying so young. Good fighter, will never forget his win over undefeated Willie DeWitt and classics vs Holyfield, Moorer and Mercer.
This fight was on the night before I had to take the bar exam. I was trying to stay disciplined and not watch TV before the big test, but, I just couldn't miss the chance to watch one of my favorite fighters (Cooper) get another chance at redemption again. I still get a smile on my face anytime I think of this fight. I took the positive energy from that knockout into the test the next day and aced it.
Was really pulling for Cooper to pull the upset over Holyfield. Got awfully loud in our house that night when Cooper dropped him in the 3rd. Surprised the neighbors didn't complain. Maybe they were watching too and understood. So close to becoming Heavyweight champion. Cooper stopping Cecil Coffee also comes to mind. Coffee had one of the most obvious broken noses I've seen. This content is protected
I know a guy who passed the bar and he didn’t pass another bar for 30-something years (without stopping) … before he finally sobered up.
I really liked Bert. Not only did he have the addiction, but for some reason, he underperformed against bigger heavies, but his wars with Mercer, Moorer, and Holyfield will live on in history forever!
