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Ricky Parkey vs Bert Cooper
Posted: 17 Apr 2025, 09:15
by EdwardRevolver1993
It just caught my attention that right before moving up to HW, Bert Cooper actually got himself into contention for the IBF cruiserweight title by winning the IBF USBA belt from Henry Tillman and then defending it against Tyrone Booze and Spencer Chavis.
It appears, that he was in line for the IBF title shot against then-champ Ricky Parkey by the end of 1986. But instead, Cooper would decide to move up to HW and stay there for good.
What if he'd have opted to stay at CW and pursue a title fight against Parkey, who was just coming off winning the championship from Lee Roy Murphy?
Re: Ricky Parkey vs Bert Cooper
Posted: 17 Apr 2025, 16:26
by scorpio83
Parkey's experience would overwhelm Cooper by outlanding him with jabs and fast hands to take a decision.
Re: Ricky Parkey vs Bert Cooper
Posted: 18 Apr 2025, 01:35
by EdwardRevolver1993
scorpio83 wrote: ↑17 Apr 2025, 16:26
Parkey's experience would overwhelm Cooper by outlanding him with jabs and fast hands to take a decision.
Personally, I feel Cooper could've handled Parkey. Had they met in late 1986-early 1987 - I would've picked "Smokin" Bert to win.
Re: Ricky Parkey vs Bert Cooper
Posted: 18 Apr 2025, 13:51
by scorpio83
EdwardRevolver1993 wrote: ↑18 Apr 2025, 01:35
scorpio83 wrote: ↑17 Apr 2025, 16:26
Parkey's experience would overwhelm Cooper by outlanding him with jabs and fast hands to take a decision.
Personally, I feel Cooper could've handled Parkey. Had they met in late 1986-early 1987 - I would've picked "Smokin" Bert to win.
Interesting prediction there.
Re: Ricky Parkey vs Bert Cooper
Posted: 19 Apr 2025, 03:31
by EdwardRevolver1993
scorpio83 wrote: ↑18 Apr 2025, 13:51
EdwardRevolver1993 wrote: ↑18 Apr 2025, 01:35
scorpio83 wrote: ↑17 Apr 2025, 16:26
Parkey's experience would overwhelm Cooper by outlanding him with jabs and fast hands to take a decision.
Personally, I feel Cooper could've handled Parkey. Had they met in late 1986-early 1987 - I would've picked "Smokin" Bert to win.
Interesting prediction there.
I just think, that Parkey was the weakest link among cruiserweight beltholders at that time. Which isn't really a disrespect to him, as the other two major beltholders during that period were Evander Holyfield and Carlos De Leon.
But Parkey, I think, shined only once - in a title-winning effort against Lee Roy Murphy. Which was a good win. But there weren't much beyond that, unless I forget something.
Holyfield took Parkey quite quickly, in their unification bout.
So, I don't know. Maybe, I'd have to analyze them closely. But I think, Cooper would've been able to handle Parkey.
Re: Ricky Parkey vs Bert Cooper
Posted: 19 Apr 2025, 08:38
by tiny_acres
EdwardRevolver1993 wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025, 03:31
scorpio83 wrote: ↑18 Apr 2025, 13:51
EdwardRevolver1993 wrote: ↑18 Apr 2025, 01:35
Personally, I feel Cooper could've handled Parkey. Had they met in late 1986-early 1987 - I would've picked "Smokin" Bert to win.
Interesting prediction there.
I just think, that Parkey was the weakest link among cruiserweight beltholders at that time. Which isn't really a disrespect to him, as the other two major beltholders during that period were Evander Holyfield and Carlos De Leon.
But Parkey, I think, shined only once - in a title-winning effort against Lee Roy Murphy. Which was a good win. But there weren't much beyond that, unless I forget something.
Holyfield took Parkey quite quickly, in their unification bout.
So, I don't know. Maybe, I'd have to analyze them closely. But I think, Cooper would've been able to handle Parkey.
I agree with most of what you said.
Parker was the weakest link at the time, and only has the one shining moment in his career.
Cooper was pretty raw at the time this fight could of happened. So it's a close fight.
I'd pick Cooper by a slim split decision
Re: Ricky Parkey vs Bert Cooper
Posted: 19 Apr 2025, 12:22
by EdwardRevolver1993
tiny_acres wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025, 08:38
EdwardRevolver1993 wrote: ↑19 Apr 2025, 03:31
scorpio83 wrote: ↑18 Apr 2025, 13:51
Interesting prediction there.
I just think, that Parkey was the weakest link among cruiserweight beltholders at that time. Which isn't really a disrespect to him, as the other two major beltholders during that period were Evander Holyfield and Carlos De Leon.
But Parkey, I think, shined only once - in a title-winning effort against Lee Roy Murphy. Which was a good win. But there weren't much beyond that, unless I forget something.
Holyfield took Parkey quite quickly, in their unification bout.
So, I don't know. Maybe, I'd have to analyze them closely. But I think, Cooper would've been able to handle Parkey.
I agree with most of what you said.
Parker was the weakest link at the time, and only has the one shining moment in his career.
Cooper was pretty raw at the time this fight could of happened. So it's a close fight.
I'd pick Cooper by a slim split decision
That's about how I see it.