BoxRec

Both guys at their peak. That means the Sultan who fought Vlad in 2008, and the Cooney who KO'd Norton in 1981. Who wins and why?

I lean towards Sultan because of his mobility, hand speed, hit-and-run tactics, southpaw jab, and pretty good power. Gerry was always hittable and didn't take a heavy punch very well. I'm guessing that means Sultan knocks him out.

Of course, Cooney could ice Sultan - put him down for the ten count - if he connects with his fabled left-hook, which carried atomic level power. But I doubt that Gerry, who was somewhat ponderous and not especially quick, would land his home run punch against the elusive Sultan.

In terms of how the fight unfolds, my hunch is that Gerry pursues Sultan for six or seven rounds, constantly swinging his pole axe left-hook but missing all the time. Sometimes Gerry does well with his left-jab, occasionally doubling-up with that shot to good effect. But always Sultan neutralizes Gerry's offensive by running and circling away from trouble.

By the eighth, Cooney's behind on points due to absorbing too many southpaw jabs. Gerry's also tired, losing speed, and dropping his hands. Sultan senses an opportunity for victory, and for the first time, steps forward and puts his punches together. Cooney is hurt and sucking up punishment when the referee calls it off.

Sultan wins, TKO in eight.

Sometimes, Cooney would catch Ibragimov off the ropes and nail him with his big left hook that puts his southpaw opponent down and out in 6 rounds.