Legendary heavyweight Muhammad Ali led the tributes to his old friend Sir Henry Cooper, who died on Sunday, describing him as a great fighter and a gentleman
Legendary heavyweight Muhammad Ali led the tributes to his "old friend" Sir Henry Cooper, who died on Sunday, describing him as "a great fighter and a gentleman".
Cooper passed away at his son's house at Oxted in Surrey just two days before his 77th birthday.
Arguably Cooper's most famous fight was a non-title contest against Ali in London in 1963, when he knocked down the man then known as Cassius Clay in the fourth round with a terrific left hook, only for the bout to be stopped a round later because of cuts around Cooper's eyes.
The two men fought again three years later, with Ali again victorious, and shared a mutual affection and respect for one another.
Three-time world heavyweight champion Ali said in a statement: "I am at a loss for words over the death of my friend, Henry Cooper. 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. My family and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family."
