• Boxing

Ali tribute to 'my friend' Henry Cooper

ESPN staff
May 2, 2011
Bloodied but unbowed ... Henry Cooper after being stopped by Mohammad Ali in 1966 © Getty Images
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Mohammad Ali has paid tribute to "my friend, Henry Cooper", following the British boxing legend's death at the age of 76 on Sunday.

Cooper came close to changing the course of boxing history in 1963 when knocking Ali down with a thunderous left hand, but the American climbed off the canvas to win and go on to rule the ring. The pair remained close, and in 1966 Ali gave Cooper his only chance of a world title when the pair fought at Highbury. As was the case in the first fight, the bout was stopped on cuts in Ali's favour with Cooper ahead on the scorecards.

"I am at a loss for words over the death of my friend," Ali said in a statement. "I was not aware he was ill. I visited with him two summers ago during a brief visit to Windsor as part of the Equestrian Games being held there. He was in good humour and looked quite fit.

"Henry always had a smile for me; a warm and embracing smile. It was always a pleasure being in Henry's company. I will miss my old friend. He was a great fighter and a gentleman."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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