Heavyweights: Gerrie Coetzee vs. Gerry Cooney

[AntonioMartin]

Who, how and why?

[Woldemar]

Or Cooney by early KO or Coetzee by UD or late TKO.

[f read]

Gerry Cooney by knockout. He was a devastating puncher especially with the left hook. He was underrated and i think his heart was not in boxing. It was all downhill after Larry Holmes defeated him. He could really slug and i believe on June 11 1982 when he was defeated by Larry Holmes he could have defeated the other champions of the time John Tate Mike Weaver and Gerrie Coetzee.

[DrDuke]

Both could bang, both wasn't iron chinned. Cooney was more explosive, Coetzee was more technical and durable, although both had problems in the deep waters. I'd pick Coetzee to KO Cooney in 6-8 rounds.

[Bodyshot3]

Coetzee for me and by mid-round stoppage.

Plenty big enough not to get bullied early-on by Cooney, he could box when needed and properly bang and the big Bok knew how to get a result on the road as well.

They're both quite erratic in their way - with some flaws - but Coetzee was tough, hit hard and a bit better on his feet and offering a range of shots than he is generally credited for.

Interesting fight though and especially at say MSG with Cooney being roared-on and Coetzee having to make lots of the running as the away fighter.

Gets more interesting with the huge Cooney having to lug his frame around and fight at altitude in Coetzee's backyard....lots of good fighters have come to grief fighting South African fighters on the High Veld.

[AngryGoon38]

Cooney by Ko8.
A thrilling slugfest brawl while it lasts.

[AngryGoon38]

Cooney by Ko8.
A thrilling slugfest brawl while it lasts.

Do you really think Cooney could slip or successfully absorb Coetzee's power shots?

Ultimately, Cooney very likely would.
Yes,Coetzee may deck Cooney early on,but
Cooney's size and leverage would overwhelm Coetzee,and those monster hooks would find the mark.

[AngryGoon38]

Basically, I was referring to the prime version of Cooney. The version that fought Michael Spinks in 1987 was definitely a has-been version. Prime vs Prime , Cooney overwhelms Coetzee,and takes him out considerably quicker than Weaver did.

[Nile4000]

Gerrie stops Gerry late. Experience would come into play, and while I think Gerry could hirt Gerrie, I think Gerrie could carry the fight into later waters where Gerry is not used to seeing. Probably about 8 to 10 rounds, stoppage.

[Cutman Scabbers]

Cooney demolishes Coetzee inside 3. Highlight reel KO.