Okay neither of these guys had very big windows of prime but they both had pockets of time during their careers where they were formidable. Let's assume they are both in the best form of their lives and facing each other knowing that the winner gets a shot at the title giving them all the motivation one could need. How do you see this playing out? I personally think it would be an entertaining fight with a lot of big punches and definitely a knockout or stoppage at some point.
Purity had a granite chin and you have to fight these guys a different way, Bert was known to quit when the going got rough and he would do so sometime around the 7-10th rd
Hard to pick a winner here. Cooper at his best probably wins this on points, but Ross definitely has a chance, too
Cooper gets sold short sometimes. He gave Ray Mercer all kinds of hell for 12 rounds. That Cooper beats Purrity, imo.
Mercer came in quite fat, and claimed the 'infected shaving cut' cost him as he cheek was crazy swollen. But that said, that was not Cooper's problem... I think for the fight mentioned; on their best days Cooper would win an almost shut out decision. Cooper was a decent Cruiserweight and at his best, a cunning Heavyweight. Purrity was 'just' teak tough.
Cooper the far better fighter. Purrity has the heart and will to win. At their best I would go with Cooper.
yes Cooper had some problems with toughness early in his career but somehow toughened up later on which was impressive. i always loved Cooper fights, he wasn't a ATG but that left hook was powerful and quick and he was in so many entertaining fights! (winning or loosing) Versus Purrity it is a interesting match up as Cooper would have to make sure he didn't burn himself out trying to knock the very tough but limited Purrity out. As Fists of Fury said, if its the seasoned, tougher and more focused Cooper i would take Cooper to win UD. The only way Cooper looses is if he expends all his energy and is left with nothing to defend himself against the patient, limited but experienced Purrity.
with his left hook he would have a chance to take Purrity out,,, however, i think the one way Cooper looses this fight is if he tries too hard to take Purrity out and burns out. Purrity was a expert at surviving with something left in his tank.
Good responses.. I honestly still don't know.. Two very different styles and both men were dangerous on the right nights. Cooper at his best was busier, quicker and nastier while Ross was much bigger, stronger and more durable.. Both guys hit like a truck.. I'm kinda wondering if Ross with his size, power and chin would stop Burt late. Cooper gave elite fighters hell but couldn't quite get over the hump to beat one... Ross managed to upset an up and coming klit and fought the duke to a draw..
