Heavyweight boxing in 1980 had only had one heavyweight champion in it’s long and illustrious history. That is why when a white heavyweight with talent comes along, he gains attention.
That person was Gerry Cooney in the spring of 1980. The 6 foot 6 inch good looking southpaw from New York had been knocking out a string of opponents since having turned pro in early 1977. When he stopped veteran Jimmy Young in May of that year on cuts after 4 rounds, many took notice. Even though Young was shopworn and past his prime, Cooney was methodical and efficient and impressive in his first win over a name opponent. So much so that Sports Illustrated put him on the cover of their magazine, instantly making him a household name.
Although Cooney was young and unproven, the fact that he was a big white heavyweight with a huge left hook made him marketable. Boxing was still fledgling after Ali’s retirement, and any excitement in the division was good for the sport as a hole.
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