Muhammad Ali vs Henry Cooper 2

Venue: Highbury Stadium, London. 21st May, 1966.

The trip to Canada was the first time a heavyweight title had left America in five decades. Next, as his case against his draft reclassification moved slowly through the courts in the US, Ali took the title to the UK for two fights, the first a rematch with henry cooper. The fight captivated the British public. Cooper was even more of a hero after his showing in their that Our ‘enry might have a chance. Ali received a terrific welcome on his return to Britain. His words about cooper had helped, too: “he’s an English gentleman and a worthy challenger for my title.” Ali said.

Highbury stadium, home to arsenal fc, was full come fight night. Cooper was giving away over a stone in weight and was some eight years older than Ali. The scar tissue around his eyes was worse, too.

Ali was initially content to keep away from coopers left hand, but he was soon settling into his rhythm, letting cooper chase him around the outsized ring and firing punches from all angles. During the sixth round, Ali flashed a right cross on to coopers left eyebrow and the fragile skin burst open. “It was the worst cut I ever had in boxing.” Cooper remembered. Once again, both challenger and champion were covered in gore. The referee had no choice but to end it.

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