Karl Mildenberger ~ 'I Had The Formula To Beat Cassius Clay'

[Bill Paxtom]

Wednesday ~ September 18, 1968

~ Englishman Regains European Crown From German Fighter ~

34 year-old Henry Cooper walked into the Empire Pool Ring as 'Even Money', but the ringworn
Englishman administered a beating on German - Karl Mildenberger that few have seen.

Despite entering ring after a 10-Month lay-off, Henry stated dishing out snappy left-jabs and vicious
left-hooks on the German from the very 'first-minute' of the bout.

For some inconceivable reason, Mildenberger moved to his right, and into the damaging left-hooks
of Cooper, instead of circling to the left, and away from Cooper's power punches.

Cooper 'floored' Mildenberger in Round 2, by landing a solid left-hook to the jaw.

The German used 'illegal tactics' throughout, which included 'thumbing' Henry with his gloves, and
'head-butting' his nose.

Referee - Nello Barrovecchio warned Mildenberger several times throughout the bout.

In Round 7, Cooper 'floored' Mildenberger again, after landing '2' hard left-hooks to the head, and a
right-hand to the chin.

In Round 8, Mildenberger slammed his head into Cooper's right-eye, which opened a nasty gash which
dripped blood immediately.

About '1-Minute' later the German came in head-first again. This time the Referee 'disqualified' Mildenberger
at {2:58} of Round 8.



Henry Cooper >
"There will be no rematch. What for, I'm stepping up now. I'll either fight WBA Champion - Jimmy Ellis or
defend my '3' Belts against Billy Walker."

"I'm out for greener pastures. My time has come for a World Championship opportunity."

Karl Mildenberger >
"I hope Henry will reconsider, and offer me a rematch. I will ask him 'not' to rule out a return match. If I can't
get a return match, I will probably retire.