British · Bellingham, England · Born 3 May 1934British heavyweight boxer who knocked down Muhammad Ali in 1963 and won multiple British and European heavyweight titles during the 1960s
Sir Henry Cooper was born in Bellingham, South London in 1934 and became the most popular British boxer of the 20th century. He held the British, European and Commonwealth heavyweight titles across three separate reigns and was the first man to win three Lonsdale Belts outright. His most famous moment came on 18 June 1963 at Wembley Empire Pool, when his famous left hook — "Our 'Enry's Hammer" — dropped a then-unknown Cassius Clay at the end of round four of their fight. Clay recovered and Cooper was stopped in the fifth due to a severe cut. Cooper and Clay/Ali met again in 1966, with Ali stopping him again through cuts. He held the British title from 1959 to 1971 — a 12-year reign. He was awarded an OBE in 1969 and a knighthood in 2000. He died in 2011, aged 76.
Knocking down Muhammad Ali with his famous left hook 'Enry's Hammer'
He knocked Cassius Clay down in 1963 with his famous left hook — Clay was saved by the bell. Clay later became Muhammad Ali and won the heavyweight title.
Did You Know?How They Played
Orthodox stance with devastating left hook, strong chin, crowd favorite
Lasting Impact
British boxing legend who became the only fighter to win Lonsdale Belt outright three times
Career Honours
- British Heavyweight Champion 3x
- European Heavyweight Champion 3x
- BBC Sports Personality 2x
British Athletes