Muhammad Ali vs. Henry Cooper (2nd meeting) - Revision history

Artur128 at 21:33, 16 November 2025

2025-11-16T21:33:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:33, 16 November 2025
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	== Pre-Fight Quote ==		== Pre-Fight Quote ==
	*"I'll tell Henry Cooper, he's watching this show, to come to the fight and be ready to fight because I'm coming to get you. I'm coming to London to get you. And after I'm through beating him, I think he'll have to join The Beatles and be a singer. I'm coming to get you, Henry. I don't like the way you knocked me down the last time. No man knocks me down and gets away with it, so you be ready for it, you hear? Be ready because I'm coming to get you. Now you go home and tell him that. I'm not joking." - Ali on British TV		*"I'll tell Henry Cooper, he's watching this show, to come to the fight and be ready to fight because I'm coming to get you. I'm coming to London to get you. And after I'm through beating him, I think he'll have to join The Beatles and be a singer. I'm coming to get you, Henry. I don't like the way you knocked me down the last time. No man knocks me down and gets away with it, so you be ready for it, you hear? Be ready because I'm coming to get you. Now you go home and tell him that. I'm not joking." - Ali on British TV

			{{start box}}
			{{Fight Succession Box\|
			before=[[Muhammad Ali vs. George Chuvalo\|Ali vs. Chuvalo]]\|
			title=[[WBC Heavyweight Title Fights\|WBC Heavyweight Title Fight]]<br># 6\|
			after=[[Muhammad Ali vs. Brian London\|Ali vs. London]]\|
			}}
			{{end box}}

Artur128: /* Ranking Movements */

2025-11-08T18:35:21Z

Ranking Movements

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:35, 8 November 2025
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	*Meanwhile, his American opponent [[Hubert Hilton]] was ranked 9th in the monthly rankings published in early December (February 1966 issue), entering Top 10 for the first time in his career. Thus, had Cooper defeated him, his potential ascension to the Top 10 would've been given credibility.		*Meanwhile, his American opponent [[Hubert Hilton]] was ranked 9th in the monthly rankings published in early December (February 1966 issue), entering Top 10 for the first time in his career. Thus, had Cooper defeated him, his potential ascension to the Top 10 would've been given credibility.
	*On January 25, Cooper defeated Hilton while [[Eduardo Corletti]] defeated 3rd-ranked [[George Chuvalo]]. However, in the next monthly rankings published February 28–29 (April issue; March issue only contained annual standings), Corletti was left out; instead, Chuvalo was demoted to 8th place and Cooper was put at No. 9.		*On January 25, Cooper defeated Hilton while [[Eduardo Corletti]] defeated 3rd-ranked [[George Chuvalo]]. However, in the next monthly rankings published February 28–29 (April issue; March issue only contained annual standings), Corletti was left out; instead, Chuvalo was demoted to 8th place and Cooper was put at No. 9.
	*In the Ring Magazine rankings released March 16, Cooper moved up one spot to No. 8. In the rankings released on April 18, Cooper was ranked sixth.		*In the Ring Magazine rankings released March 16, Cooper moved up one spot to No. 8. In the rankings released on April 18, Cooper was ranked sixth. The rankings released May 31 had Cooper ranked fifth.

	===The Fight===		===The Fight===

Artur128: /* Ranking Movements */

2025-11-08T18:34:08Z

Ranking Movements

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:34, 8 November 2025
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	*British Henry Cooper was initially unranked. Neither WBA nor The Ring had him in the Top 10. Moreover, he was unknown in the US and had never fought there before. His promoter [[Harry Levene]] and matchmaker [[Mickey Duff]] were known for promoting mostly British fighters and fights in the UK, but had little dealings in the United States.		*British Henry Cooper was initially unranked. Neither WBA nor The Ring had him in the Top 10. Moreover, he was unknown in the US and had never fought there before. His promoter [[Harry Levene]] and matchmaker [[Mickey Duff]] were known for promoting mostly British fighters and fights in the UK, but had little dealings in the United States.
	*Meanwhile, his American opponent [[Hubert Hilton]] was ranked 9th in the monthly rankings published in early December (February 1966 issue), entering Top 10 for the first time in his career. Thus, had Cooper defeated him, his potential ascension to the Top 10 would've been given credibility.		*Meanwhile, his American opponent [[Hubert Hilton]] was ranked 9th in the monthly rankings published in early December (February 1966 issue), entering Top 10 for the first time in his career. Thus, had Cooper defeated him, his potential ascension to the Top 10 would've been given credibility.
	*On January 25, Cooper defeated Hilton while [[Eduardo Corletti]] defeated 3rd-ranked [[George Chuvalo]]. However, in the next monthly rankings published February 28–29 (April issue; March issue only contained annual standings), Corletti was left out; instead, Chuvalo was demoted to 8th place and Cooper was put ~~below him~~ at No. 9.		*On January 25, Cooper defeated Hilton while [[Eduardo Corletti]] defeated 3rd-ranked [[George Chuvalo]]. However, in the next monthly rankings published February 28–29 (April issue; March issue only contained annual standings), Corletti was left out; instead, Chuvalo was demoted to 8th place and Cooper was put at No. 9.
	*In the Ring Magazine rankings released March 16, Cooper moved up one spot to No. 8.		*In the Ring Magazine rankings released March 16, Cooper moved up one spot to No. 8. In the rankings released on April 18, Cooper was ranked sixth.
	*In the ~~Ring Magazine~~ rankings released April 18, Cooper was ranked sixth.

	===The Fight===		===The Fight===

Artur128: /* Ranking Movements */

2025-11-08T18:32:44Z

Ranking Movements

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:32, 8 November 2025
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	*British Henry Cooper was initially unranked. Neither WBA nor The Ring had him in the Top 10. Moreover, he was unknown in the US and had never fought there before. His promoter [[Harry Levene]] and matchmaker [[Mickey Duff]] were known for promoting mostly British fighters and fights in the UK, but had little dealings in the United States.		*British Henry Cooper was initially unranked. Neither WBA nor The Ring had him in the Top 10. Moreover, he was unknown in the US and had never fought there before. His promoter [[Harry Levene]] and matchmaker [[Mickey Duff]] were known for promoting mostly British fighters and fights in the UK, but had little dealings in the United States.
	*Meanwhile, his American opponent [[Hubert Hilton]] was ranked 9th in the monthly rankings published in early December (February 1966 issue), entering Top 10 for the first time in his career. Thus, had Cooper defeated him, his potential ascension to the Top 10 would've been given credibility.		*Meanwhile, his American opponent [[Hubert Hilton]] was ranked 9th in the monthly rankings published in early December (February 1966 issue), entering Top 10 for the first time in his career. Thus, had Cooper defeated him, his potential ascension to the Top 10 would've been given credibility.
	*On January 25, Cooper defeated Hilton while [[Eduardo Corletti]] defeated 3rd-ranked [[George Chuvalo]]. However, in the next monthly rankings published February 28–29 (April issue; March issue only contained annual standings), Corletti was left out; instead, Chuvalo was demoted to ~~9th~~ place and Cooper was put ~~above~~ him at No. 8.		*On January 25, Cooper defeated Hilton while [[Eduardo Corletti]] defeated 3rd-ranked [[George Chuvalo]]. However, in the next monthly rankings published February 28–29 (April issue; March issue only contained annual standings), Corletti was left out; instead, Chuvalo was demoted to 8th place and Cooper was put below him at No. 9.
			*In the Ring Magazine rankings released March 16, Cooper moved up one spot to No. 8.
			*In the Ring Magazine rankings released April 18, Cooper was ranked sixth.

	===The Fight===		===The Fight===

Artur128: /* Negotiations */

2025-11-08T18:23:59Z

Negotiations

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:23, 8 November 2025
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	== Notes ==		== Notes ==
	[[File:1229 alicooperblood66.jpg\|right\|350px]]		[[File:1229 alicooperblood66.jpg\|right\|350px]]
	===~~Negotiations~~===		===Timeline===
	*Early January, Cooper's promoter Harry Levene ~~reported~~ that Cooper would be lined up for the Ali rematch if he beat [[Hubert Hilton]].[https://www.newspapers.com/image/808612705/]		*Early January, Cooper's promoter Harry Levene revealed that Cooper would be lined up for the Ali rematch if he beat [[Hubert Hilton]].[https://www.newspapers.com/image/808612705/]
	*Going into the Hilton fight, Cooper's manager James Wicks stated "Henry will knock him [Hilton] dead. Two rounds. Top weight". Cooper acknowledged that he had promised to tackle on Jefferson Davis on February 16, but "after that we want Ali", Wicks said. [https://www.newspapers.com/image/721561821/]		*Going into the Hilton fight, Cooper's manager James Wicks stated "Henry will knock him [Hilton] dead. Two rounds. Top weight". Cooper acknowledged that he had promised to tackle on Jefferson Davis on February 16, but "after that we want Ali", Wicks said. [https://www.newspapers.com/image/721561821/]
	*After knocking out Hilton in two rounds on January 25, Cooper called out Ali: "I'm ready to tackle Clay anytime, anywhere".[https://www.newspapers.com/image/1060914603/]		*After knocking out Hilton in two rounds on January 25, Cooper called out Ali: "I'm ready to tackle Clay anytime, anywhere".[https://www.newspapers.com/image/1060914603/]

Artur128: /* Negotiations */

2025-11-08T17:39:43Z

Negotiations

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:39, 8 November 2025
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	*Following Cooper's victory against Jefferson Davis, Wicks again reiterated that Ali vs. Cooper was very much on the cards, unless Ali got drafted to fight in the US Army.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/1182492746/]		*Following Cooper's victory against Jefferson Davis, Wicks again reiterated that Ali vs. Cooper was very much on the cards, unless Ali got drafted to fight in the US Army.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/1182492746/]
	*The [[British Boxing Board of Control]] further strenghtened Cooper's case by denouncing Ali's upcoming opponent [[George Chuvalo]] and claiming Cooper should fight for the title instead.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/775846885/]		*The [[British Boxing Board of Control]] further strenghtened Cooper's case by denouncing Ali's upcoming opponent [[George Chuvalo]] and claiming Cooper should fight for the title instead.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/775846885/]
	*On March 29, after defending his title against Chuvalo, Ali said of his next title defense: "We haven't got anything yet, but Cooper might be a good one. He knocked me down once."[https://www.newspapers.com/image/558653257/] Meanwhile, Wicks predicted a $700,000 gate if Ali ~~schedule~~ the fight in the UK.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/451542921/]		*On March 29, after defending his title against Chuvalo, Ali said of his next title defense: "We haven't got anything yet, but Cooper might be a good one. He knocked me down once."[https://www.newspapers.com/image/558653257/] Meanwhile, Wicks predicted a $700,000 gate if Ali scheduled the fight in the UK.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/451542921/]
	*Ali signed the contract on April 16.[https://www.upi.com/News_Photos/view/upi/c1234f91c4cdc17c1b79d2b34a6fc123/Muhammad-Ali-signs-contract-for-a-fight-with-Henry-Cooper-in-London-for-half-a-million-dollars/][https://www.newspapers.com/image/695419540/] Cooper signed it by April 17.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/808659522/]		*Ali signed the contract on April 16.[https://www.upi.com/News_Photos/view/upi/c1234f91c4cdc17c1b79d2b34a6fc123/Muhammad-Ali-signs-contract-for-a-fight-with-Henry-Cooper-in-London-for-half-a-million-dollars/][https://www.newspapers.com/image/695419540/] Cooper signed it by April 17.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/808659522/]

Artur128: /* Negotiations */

2025-11-08T17:39:19Z

Negotiations

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:39, 8 November 2025
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	*After knocking out Hilton in two rounds on January 25, Cooper called out Ali: "I'm ready to tackle Clay anytime, anywhere".[https://www.newspapers.com/image/1060914603/]		*After knocking out Hilton in two rounds on January 25, Cooper called out Ali: "I'm ready to tackle Clay anytime, anywhere".[https://www.newspapers.com/image/1060914603/]
	*Following Cooper's victory against Jefferson Davis, Wicks again reiterated that Ali vs. Cooper was very much on the cards, unless Ali got drafted to fight in the US Army.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/1182492746/]		*Following Cooper's victory against Jefferson Davis, Wicks again reiterated that Ali vs. Cooper was very much on the cards, unless Ali got drafted to fight in the US Army.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/1182492746/]
	*On March 29, after defending his title against ~~[[George~~ Chuvalo]], Ali said of his next title defense: "We haven't got anything yet, but Cooper might be a good one. He knocked me down once."[https://www.newspapers.com/image/558653257/] Meanwhile, Wicks predicted a $700,000 gate if Ali schedule the fight in the UK.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/451542921/]		*The [[British Boxing Board of Control]] further strenghtened Cooper's case by denouncing Ali's upcoming opponent [[George Chuvalo]] and claiming Cooper should fight for the title instead.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/775846885/]
			*On March 29, after defending his title against Chuvalo, Ali said of his next title defense: "We haven't got anything yet, but Cooper might be a good one. He knocked me down once."[https://www.newspapers.com/image/558653257/] Meanwhile, Wicks predicted a $700,000 gate if Ali schedule the fight in the UK.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/451542921/]
	*Ali signed the contract on April 16.[https://www.upi.com/News_Photos/view/upi/c1234f91c4cdc17c1b79d2b34a6fc123/Muhammad-Ali-signs-contract-for-a-fight-with-Henry-Cooper-in-London-for-half-a-million-dollars/][https://www.newspapers.com/image/695419540/] Cooper signed it by April 17.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/808659522/]		*Ali signed the contract on April 16.[https://www.upi.com/News_Photos/view/upi/c1234f91c4cdc17c1b79d2b34a6fc123/Muhammad-Ali-signs-contract-for-a-fight-with-Henry-Cooper-in-London-for-half-a-million-dollars/][https://www.newspapers.com/image/695419540/] Cooper signed it by April 17.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/808659522/]

Artur128: /* Negotiations */

2025-11-08T17:35:28Z

Negotiations

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:35, 8 November 2025
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	*After knocking out Hilton in two rounds on January 25, Cooper called out Ali: "I'm ready to tackle Clay anytime, anywhere".[https://www.newspapers.com/image/1060914603/]		*After knocking out Hilton in two rounds on January 25, Cooper called out Ali: "I'm ready to tackle Clay anytime, anywhere".[https://www.newspapers.com/image/1060914603/]
	*Following Cooper's victory against Jefferson Davis, Wicks again reiterated that Ali vs. Cooper was very much on the cards, unless Ali got drafted to fight in the US Army.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/1182492746/]		*Following Cooper's victory against Jefferson Davis, Wicks again reiterated that Ali vs. Cooper was very much on the cards, unless Ali got drafted to fight in the US Army.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/1182492746/]
	*On March 29, after defending his title against [[George Chuvalo]], Ali said of his next title defense: "We haven't got anything yet, but Cooper might be a good one. He knocked me down once."[https://www.newspapers.com/image/558653257/]		*On March 29, after defending his title against [[George Chuvalo]], Ali said of his next title defense: "We haven't got anything yet, but Cooper might be a good one. He knocked me down once."[https://www.newspapers.com/image/558653257/] Meanwhile, Wicks predicted a $700,000 gate if Ali schedule the fight in the UK.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/451542921/]
	*Ali signed the contract on April 16.[https://www.upi.com/News_Photos/view/upi/c1234f91c4cdc17c1b79d2b34a6fc123/Muhammad-Ali-signs-contract-for-a-fight-with-Henry-Cooper-in-London-for-half-a-million-dollars/][https://www.newspapers.com/image/695419540/] Cooper signed it by April 17.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/808659522/]		*Ali signed the contract on April 16.[https://www.upi.com/News_Photos/view/upi/c1234f91c4cdc17c1b79d2b34a6fc123/Muhammad-Ali-signs-contract-for-a-fight-with-Henry-Cooper-in-London-for-half-a-million-dollars/][https://www.newspapers.com/image/695419540/] Cooper signed it by April 17.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/808659522/]

Artur128: /* Negotiations */

2025-11-08T17:33:35Z

Negotiations

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:33, 8 November 2025
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	*After knocking out Hilton in two rounds on January 25, Cooper called out Ali: "I'm ready to tackle Clay anytime, anywhere".[https://www.newspapers.com/image/1060914603/]		*After knocking out Hilton in two rounds on January 25, Cooper called out Ali: "I'm ready to tackle Clay anytime, anywhere".[https://www.newspapers.com/image/1060914603/]
	*Following Cooper's victory against Jefferson Davis, Wicks again reiterated that Ali vs. Cooper was very much on the cards, unless Ali got drafted to fight in the US Army.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/1182492746/]		*Following Cooper's victory against Jefferson Davis, Wicks again reiterated that Ali vs. Cooper was very much on the cards, unless Ali got drafted to fight in the US Army.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/1182492746/]
			*On March 29, after defending his title against [[George Chuvalo]], Ali said of his next title defense: "We haven't got anything yet, but Cooper might be a good one. He knocked me down once."[https://www.newspapers.com/image/558653257/]
	*Ali signed the contract on April 16.[https://www.upi.com/News_Photos/view/upi/c1234f91c4cdc17c1b79d2b34a6fc123/Muhammad-Ali-signs-contract-for-a-fight-with-Henry-Cooper-in-London-for-half-a-million-dollars/][https://www.newspapers.com/image/695419540/] Cooper signed it by April 17.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/808659522/]		*Ali signed the contract on April 16.[https://www.upi.com/News_Photos/view/upi/c1234f91c4cdc17c1b79d2b34a6fc123/Muhammad-Ali-signs-contract-for-a-fight-with-Henry-Cooper-in-London-for-half-a-million-dollars/][https://www.newspapers.com/image/695419540/] Cooper signed it by April 17.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/808659522/]

Artur128: /* Negotiations */

2025-11-08T17:28:19Z

Negotiations

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:28, 8 November 2025
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	*Going into the Hilton fight, Cooper's manager James Wicks stated "Henry will knock him [Hilton] dead. Two rounds. Top weight". Cooper acknowledged that he had promised to tackle on Jefferson Davis on February 16, but "after that we want Ali", Wicks said. [https://www.newspapers.com/image/721561821/]		*Going into the Hilton fight, Cooper's manager James Wicks stated "Henry will knock him [Hilton] dead. Two rounds. Top weight". Cooper acknowledged that he had promised to tackle on Jefferson Davis on February 16, but "after that we want Ali", Wicks said. [https://www.newspapers.com/image/721561821/]
	*After knocking out Hilton in two rounds on January 25, Cooper called out Ali: "I'm ready to tackle Clay anytime, anywhere".[https://www.newspapers.com/image/1060914603/]		*After knocking out Hilton in two rounds on January 25, Cooper called out Ali: "I'm ready to tackle Clay anytime, anywhere".[https://www.newspapers.com/image/1060914603/]
			*Following Cooper's victory against Jefferson Davis, Wicks again reiterated that Ali vs. Cooper was very much on the cards, unless Ali got drafted to fight in the US Army.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/1182492746/]
	*Ali signed the contract on April 16.[https://www.upi.com/News_Photos/view/upi/c1234f91c4cdc17c1b79d2b34a6fc123/Muhammad-Ali-signs-contract-for-a-fight-with-Henry-Cooper-in-London-for-half-a-million-dollars/][https://www.newspapers.com/image/695419540/] Cooper signed it by April 17.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/808659522/]		*Ali signed the contract on April 16.[https://www.upi.com/News_Photos/view/upi/c1234f91c4cdc17c1b79d2b34a6fc123/Muhammad-Ali-signs-contract-for-a-fight-with-Henry-Cooper-in-London-for-half-a-million-dollars/][https://www.newspapers.com/image/695419540/] Cooper signed it by April 17.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/808659522/]