If Cooney had beaten Holmes, who does he fight next?

Either a big money rematch with Holmes or a unification bout with Mike Weaver. I'd say Cooney's management might seek out Weaver first figuring it is an easier fight then keep raking in the dough with the Holmes rematch.

 

With the way Don King was pushing for Weaver to fight Dokes, probably the best angle most likely was a Holmes rematch.

 

Cooney would fight anyone. His managers would go where there was least risk and the most money. Cooney was American and White and would have had like an Ali star quality. he opponents may be irrelevant for the most part because a lot of his fans would not be boxing fans just Cooney fans.

The best fight for the fight fans would be a unification vs Weaver or a fight with Coetzee who had some impressive victory's and showed power. Page and Witherspoon had a few sparks of excitement in there career but were less dedicated and a lot of there victory's were close boring decisions. I think Greg Pages most dedicated and impressive victory was against Coetzee. Witherspoon would be Bruno, although I honestly did not think much of Frank at that point in time.

There would be a Holmes rematch but after a loss to Conney the Wacko's would make him work for a title shot rematch and Larry may have to up his competition and be picked off. Either way I do not see Gerry having too much longevity but if he was an active fighter and fought beyond 8 rds it may have increased his confidence, something the poor giant lacked.

 

Cobb was extremely media friendly (making multiple appearances on Carson), and he certainly would have done his part to sell Cooney-Cobb. Tex didn't just have a granite chin, he could absorb tremendous body punishment, and did from Shavers. He wasn't really a bleeder, and he was also much stronger than Gerry physically. Cooney desperately needed an otherwise low risk opponent who would extend him the distance, and Tex would have fit that bill.

 

Ali was long retired by this point. This was in 82', right? Ali's last fight was his fight with berbick. so i think it would be quite a long shot for him to comeback.

 

Cooney was so outclassed by Holmes. His only shot was by controversial decision ( very controversial) or lucky punch knockout. (very lucky). Either way, the public outcry for a rematch would be intense. Cooney's camp would try & delay the inevitable by fighting Cobb or Shavers. But Holmes would regain the belt with a brutal stoppage.

 

Rematch