Cooper, Henry

A heavyweight from the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, Cooper fought professionally from 1935-1946 and had over 70 career bouts. He fought the great Billy Conn twice during his career, but lost both bouts on decisions.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. May 13, 1917

Career Highlights:
Born in Brownsville, the 6'1" heavyweight began his professional career in 1935 with a victory over Hughie Turner at Stauch's Arena in Brooklyn. He fought exclusively in the New York City area over the next 18 months and had quite a bit of success. In December 1937, Cooper made his Madison Square Garden debut against Bud Mignault and lost a six-round decision. Two months later, he fought at the Garden again, this time losing a six-round decision to Johnny Whiters.

In May 1939, Cooper fought one of the top Jewish boxers around, light-heavyweight Herbie Katz. Cooper outweighed Katz by almost 20 pounds and won the six-round decision at Madison Square Garden. In January 1940, Cooper fought world lightweight champion Billy Conn in a non-title fight. Cooper outweighed Conn by 18 pounds, but lost the 12-round decision before the fans at Madison Square Garden.

In September 1940, he lost to another champion, future world light-heavyweight title-holder Gus Lesnevich -- Henry was knocked out in the fifth-round. The following year, he had a rematch with Conn. The fight, which took place in Toledo (Ohio), was Conn's first bout since he was knocked out by heavyweight champion Joe Louis in the 13th-round of their title fight in June 1941 (Conn was ahead on points on two of the three cards before getting knocked out). Cooper again lasted the entire fight, but lost the 12-round decision.

Four years later, Cooper fought his last champion, future world light-heavyweight champion, Joey Maxim. The bout, which took place in Chicago, went ten rounds, but Cooper lost the decision. He retired later that year.

Origin:
Brooklyn, New York

Physical description:
6'1", 190 pounds

Career Statistics:
Professional record (incomplete):
Wins: 30 wins (6 by knockout)
Losses: 45
Draws: 2

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