Henry Cooper

[Dave1066]

Hi everyone. I'm a fan of Henry Cooper. I want to get one of his autobiography.
I have notice there seems to be two books out there.

One written by Henry Cooper in 1974, called "Henry Cooper, an Autobiography"
The other biography is authorised. Its Called "Henry Cooper: The Authorised Biography" It appears to have been published after the late great man died. So one wonders how it is authorised. Unless he gave permission before his passing.

If anybody on this forum, has read either book, I'd be greatful for any input.

[Domiko]

I read the newest of the two a while ago though. It defo was written after 1974 good read sad in some parts and i didnt even know he had a twin untill i read the book! Met him years ago at a show in hull i think shook the hand that dropped the greatest. Worth a read.

[Dave1066]

Thanks for your reply.

[Beanz]

Hi everyone. I'm a fan of Henry Cooper. I want to get one of his autobiography.
I have notice there seems to be two books out there.

One written by Henry Cooper in 1974, called "Henry Cooper, an Autobiography"
The other biography is authorised. Its Called "Henry Cooper: The Authorised Biography" It appears to have been published after the late great man died. So one wonders how it is authorised. Unless he gave permission before his passing.

If anybody on this forum, has read either book, I'd be greatful for any input.

I have not read either but let us know how you get on. I do have a book in my boxing library called "The Big Punchers" written by Reg Gutteridge with Henry Cooper sharing his thoughts on each of the boxers discussed. I think it is out of print now but worth grabbing if you see it in a second hand book shop. You can hear our Henry's voice echoing in your head as you read it, and for that alone I treasure it. It also reminds you because of Reg's families background in boxing how much more measured, consummate and professional the old commentators were and how much, I for one, miss them.

[Dave1066]

Cheers for that Green. I have started to read Henry Coopers Tackle Boxing book. Its his how to box book. Very good. Written in a different style to Dempsey, with much more modern approach. In the sense that he places more importance on certain punches used in todays boxing ring then what Dempsey did. Notably the jab. It has fantastic photo's of champs doing the punches in contests. He also for each punch gives a pro-tip. With some cracking ideas. When needed he also uses drawings like Dempsey. I high recommend this book.

In the end after researching online, went for Henry Cooper : An autobiography by Henry Cooper written in 1974. It gets good reviews. Where as the modern one only gets average reviews.

[Master]

I have read an old autobiography of Cooper which was interesting from the library years back. He said his mum use to feed him and his brother full of food in the amateurs and they use to lose fights because they were so bloated.

[Dave1066]

Yeah Master, I can understand that. I have been experimenting with my diet and food intake. I ate a fully fledged meal an hour before going to the boxing gym. Never again. At times I thought I might be sick! So I can understand what Henry says about Amateurs bouts.

[Mars_ax]

It's hard not to like old 'enry, the pug had the heart of a lion, his Achilles heel was he was a bleeder. If i'm not mistaken he was the 1st man to KD Ali, and one of only 3 doing that during Ali's entire career.

Great man, great human being, I was saddened to hear about him passing away a few years back.