He came from a fighting family and by the time his boxing career ended in 1971, he was the most beloved British boxer of all time. Only once did he challenge for the world’s title, but he dominated the British heavyweight scene for more than fifteen years. His popularity soared even more after retirement and the Queen of England knighted him. Sir Henry Cooper was more than just a British fighter. He was a fine example of what British boxing is all about. Henry’s professional career started in September of 1954 and he won his first nine fights, including an eight round points win over Joe Bygraves. In Henry’s tenth bout, against Uber Bacilleri, he lost the first of many bouts due to an eye cut. He would later avenge that loss. The roller coaster career of Henry Cooper had now begun. He would drop a ten-rounder to Joe Erskine and stop Brian London in one round, only to lose in five to Peter Bates. 1955 was a rough year for Henry as Bygraves kayoed him for the British Empire title. Future world champion Ingemar Johansson then bombed him out. Joe Erskine then outscored him for the British title. Read more: http://www.boxingnews24.com/2010/08/henry-cooper-what-british-boxing-is-all-about/
