Jess Willard vs Gerry Cooney

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by mr. magoo, Feb 27, 2008.


Page 2 of 2
  1. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

    51,166
    25,392
    Jan 3, 2007
    Although I'd pick the much larger Cooney to smoke Cooper, due to size power and style, Burt was a more proven fighter than Gerry was, regardless of his rather shotty record. Bert fought a much larger list of better fighters and either beat top raters or lost in galant efforts. Cooney was respectable, but far more protected than Burt Cooper was.
     
    mr. magoo, Feb 28, 2008
    mr. magoo, Feb 28, 2008
    #16
  2. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member Full Member

    97,745
    29,125
    Jun 2, 2006
    Cooney was behind when the fight was stopped ,and at 33 Holmes may have been a bit past his peak.Can you see Mike Spinks koing Willard?
     
    mcvey, Feb 28, 2008
    mcvey, Feb 28, 2008
    #17
  3. Russell

    Russell Loyal Member Full Member

    43,650
    13,048
    Apr 1, 2007
    Oh, I agree on that.
     
    Russell, Feb 28, 2008
    Russell, Feb 28, 2008
    #18
  4. Sonny's jab

    Sonny's jab Guest

    Holmes wasn't a great finisher, and not a consistently hard puncher, and he allowed Cooney to get back into that fight after having him hurt early.

    Sure, I'll give Cooney credit for bravery. The guy was very courageous. But he was fragile.
     
    Sonny's jab, Feb 28, 2008
    Sonny's jab, Feb 28, 2008
    #19
  5. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

    51,166
    25,392
    Jan 3, 2007
    Quicker and more skilled technichians typically tended to trouble Willard, and Spinks as a modern heavyweight moving up would have been a decent size between 1915-1920. At heavy, he was 6'3" and around 205LBS. More importantly, he was quick, awkward, and even had a pretty good punch. I don't think that he could have dealt with Willard's inside tactic too well, but if he stayed out of range and coninued to land flush shots regularly, the accumulation may eventually get to Jess.

    My answer is yes, in theory it's possible that Michael Spinks could have KO'd Willard, but weather I'd put money on it is a different story.
     
    mr. magoo, Feb 28, 2008
    mr. magoo, Feb 28, 2008
    #20
  6. Sardu

    Sardu RIP Mr. Bun: 2007-2012 Full Member

    3,581
    52
    Jan 22, 2008
    Willard showed a lot of guts, stamina, decent skill when he defeated Jack Johnson under a broiling Havana sun. He also showed superhuman courage against Dempsey. That said, I still view him as on of the worst heavyweight champions in history. He was no doubt a beneficiary of the nefarious 'white hope' campaign to relieve Johnson of the title. Someone like Harry Wills could also probably went down to Cuba and had a great chance to beat the washed-up Johnson.

    Cooney, on the other hand, had some real advantages like a vicious lefthook, a jolting jab, and size. Due to having various inner-demons like alcoholism, low self esteem, etc. he never maximized his potential. That said, I still think anywhere near his best he takes out the tough Big Jess.

    Cooney KO 7 Willard
     
    Sardu, Feb 28, 2008
    Sardu, Feb 28, 2008
    #21
  7. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member Full Member

    97,745
    29,125
    Jun 2, 2006
    I thought Holmes was a good finisher myself.
     
    mcvey, Feb 28, 2008
    mcvey, Feb 28, 2008
    #22
  8. Dempsey1238

    Dempsey1238 Boxing Junkie Full Member

    12,720
    3,559
    Jul 10, 2005
    Willard was not one of the worse champs ever. That honor belongs to some one like L Spinks.

    I think you guys are underating Jess here. Shot fighters DONT proform like Johnson did vs Willard in 1915, for 26 rounds. Sure there was not much action, BUT Johnson at the very lease show he can fight a good 20 rounder at 37 or so. I make THAT Jack Johnson a pretty good favor over almost any fighter in a 15 or 20 rounder bout. Johnson was like Walcott so to speak imo. He was still a great fighter, and still had his tricks, hand speed, and stimia to a level(Instand of 45 rounds, its 20 rounds)

    But that Jack Johnson was still a tough task to over come, and imo, would have beating Cooney. I think Willard at his best could beat Cooney, it will be ugly, but Jess's size, strengh, and uppercut will carry the day.
     
    Dempsey1238, Feb 28, 2008
    Dempsey1238, Feb 28, 2008
    #23
  9. rodney

    rodney Boxing Junkie Full Member

    11,332
    634
    Jun 16, 2006
    Dumb question??
    Only stupid persons will post their pick.
     
    rodney, Feb 28, 2008
    rodney, Feb 28, 2008
    #24
  10. spion

    spion Active Member Full Member

    1,393
    10
    Dec 6, 2004
    So do I.
     
    spion, Feb 29, 2008
    spion, Feb 29, 2008
    #25
  11. red cobra

    red cobra Loyal Member Full Member

    38,042
    7,560
    Jul 28, 2004
    I'd pick Willard for this one. He was stronger, had a better chin. Can you imagine what Dempsey would ahve done to Cooney inside of one round? I guarantee you he wouldn't have been able to take the abuse Willard took.
     
    red cobra, Feb 29, 2008
    red cobra, Feb 29, 2008
    #26
Page 2 of 2