Boxing Style
Cooney had an orthodox style, with a good jab, a lethal left hook, but seldom used his right. Most of his fights ended in quick knockouts; while this benefited him in the beginning of his career, it left him unprepared for his fight with Larry Holmes. Despite his devastating punching power, Cooney's moderate stamina and lack of experience proved to be his downfall. Many feel he had real potential, but was limited by his lack of experience.
Cooney's left-hook is described as one of the most powerful punches in boxing history. Foreman, Holmes, and Lyle all stated that Cooney's left was the hardest they had ever taken. It is also notable that Holmes had also previously fought Earnie Shavers, and at the time stated Shavers had the most powerful blow he had ever received.
Cooney was known for not throwing punches at the head, aiming instead for his opponent's chest, ribs, or stomach. But this made him at times vulnerable against Holmes for example.
Read more about this topic: Gerry Cooney
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