Quote Originally Posted by shza

I recognize that it's hindsight, but it's a given that hindsight is allowed (and necessary) if you're talking about a fighter's place in history. As for Cooney's record, it was impressive against very weak competition plus shot and retiring (literally, after both fights) Ron Lyle (39 years old) and Ken Norton (37 1/2 and having won only 2 of his last 5 fights). It's a little like Jeff Lacy. Except replace the "Great White Hope" with the "Great American Hope."

Now I'm just waiting for Britkid and his superior knowlege of boxing history to tell me about the five great fighters on Cooney's record that I've never heard of.
Well to play Devils Advocate... I cannot find five , but it should be noted he beat a Jimmy Young, who would rebound in 1982 to win The Ring's comeback of the year.

Cooney did what few could in disposing of Norton and Lyle. Sure they were past their best, but Cooney was awesome in that time period.