Opening Day Auction Closing May 9th
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/10/2015
Billed as “The Great White Hope,” journeyman pugilist Gerry Cooney earned a title bout with heavyweight champion Larry Holmes in March of 1982 after knocking out Ken Norton in the first round in May of 1981. The fight took place amidst a backdrop of intense racial tension stirred up by white supremacist groups that threatening to have “agents” shoot Holmes when he entered the ring. Holmes supporters also claimed to be armed in retaliation should such an attack take place and police snipers were stationed on hotel roofs surrounding the Caesars Palace venue. Originally scheduled for March 15, 1982 the fight was postponed due to a back injury sustained by Cooney during training and was re-scheduled for June 11, 1982. Holmes won a technical knockout when Cooney’s corner threw in the towel during the 13th round. Holmes was decidedly ahead on points with Cooney connecting most frequently on low blows for which he was continually penalized. This 22” x 38” promotional poster for the fight was created by famed sports artist Leroy Neiman and is signed by Holmes, Cooney and Nieman in bold black sharpie.