Heavyweight legend Muhammad Ali has hailed Sir Henry Cooper as "a great fighter and a gentleman".
Legend mourns the passing of "great fighter and gentleman"
Heavyweight legend Muhammad Ali has hailed Sir Henry Cooper as "a great fighter and a gentleman".
Cooper passed away at his son's house at Oxted in Surrey on Sunday, just two days short of his 77th birthday.
Cooper won the British, Commonwealth and European titles during a glittering career - however arguably his most famous fight was a non-title contest against Ali in London in 1963.
Cooper had floored Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, in the fourth round after unleashing "'Enry's 'Ammer" - a tremendous left hook - only to lose the fight on cuts.
Three-time world champion Ali defeated Cooper again three years later, but the two fighters and shared a mutual affection and respect for one another.
Sympathies
And following news of Cooper's death, Ali said in a statement: "I am at a loss for words over the death of my friend, Henry Cooper. I was not aware he was ill.
"I visited with him two summers ago during a brief visit to Windsor as part of the Equestrian Games being held there. He was in good humour and looked quite fit.
"Henry always had a smile for me; a warm and embracing smile. It was always a pleasure being in Henry's company.
"I will miss my old friend. He was a great fighter and a gentleman. My family and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family and loved ones."
