Born #OTD 1934: Sir Henry Cooper

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Widely regarded as one of Britain's greatest heavyweight boxers and the singular recipient of knighthood in the sport, Henry Cooper entered this world ninety years ago, hailing from council housing in the South London district of Lambeth. Pictured alongside Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) in 1963, before their bout at Wembley Stadium, which concluded due to an eye injury to Cooper. A rematch at Arsenal Stadium in 1966, with Ali defending his world heavyweight championship, ended in almost identical circumstances. Yet, Cooper persisted in pugilistic prowess until 1971 and after retiring remained a cherished public figure, gracing the advertisements of Brut aftershave and commanding attention as a revered speaker at banquets. Sir Henry Cooper was granted pardon from this mortal coil at the age of 76 on 1 May 2011.

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