BoxRec

Does anyone know why Gerry Cooney's career went into a tailspin after his failed challenge to Larry Holmes in 1982? Cooney went into the Holmes fight aged only 25, a media star and with a 25-0 (20 KO) record including knock-outs of faded 70's stars Norton, Lyle and Young. He put in a great performance in a a fierce fight staged in unbearable heat and there was no shame when he finally wilted and was pulled out in the 13th. Then he goes into a tailspin, no activity for more than 2 years, then a total of 5 fights in 6 years culminating in KO losses to Michael Spinks and George Foreman. What happened?

To my understaning and I may be very wrong here but before and after the Holmes fight the whole pressure of the "Great White Hope" crap really got to Gerry. It was a label he apparently hated.

I understand that Gerry started to drink a little too much as well.

I have always felt that had Cooney stayed motived etc he may well have picked up a title at some point. The Holmes fight showed he did have ability.

Cooney became depressed after the Holmes fight and became drink and heroin ravaged.