Britain's Boxing Hero
In his autobiography, Henry Cooper, Britain's most beloved boxer, modestly and thoughtfully recounts his days in the prize ring against some of the best boxers of the day. In 1963, for instance, Cooper floored and nearly stopped an unbeaten Cassius Clay, (Muhamed Ali) before being stopped by cuts.
Like many fighters, Cooper came up from relative poverty, but never chose the path of crime. A straight shooter, Cooper worked all his life, fought only in the ring, was loyal to his manager, his family, and his wife. This is all refreshing in an era of brash, fast living athletes writing of their brushes with the law and their sexual adventures.
Cooper is a decent, modest man, well worthy of the affection of his fans.