Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this archival clip, promoter Don King discusses the massive 1982 heavyweight championship bout between Larry Holmes and Gerry Cooney. This fight became one of the most racially charged events in boxing history, as King and the media positioned Cooney as the "Great White Hope."
The controversy extended to the fighters' pay; despite being the undefeated champion, Larry Holmes noted that Cooney’s identical $10 million purse was a direct result of his race rather than his rank. This footage captures the intense atmosphere and the promotional tactics used to build what would become one of the highest-grossing fights of the era.
The episode was hosted By Dave Winfield, produced in 1987 for Season 14. Don't forget to like and subscribe to Greatest Sports Legends for more exclusive interviews and historic moments from the world of sports.
#sports #sportslegends #1987 #boxing #boxingpromoter #promoterholding #donking
In this archival clip, promoter Don King discusses the massive 1982 heavyweight championship bout between Larry Holmes and Gerry Cooney. This fight became one of the most racially charged events in boxing history, as King and the media positioned Cooney as the "Great White Hope."
The controversy extended to the fighters' pay; despite being the undefeated champion, Larry Holmes noted that Cooney’s identical $10 million purse was a direct result of his race rather than his rank. This footage captures the intense atmosphere and the promotional tactics used to build what would become one of the highest-grossing fights of the era.
The episode was hosted By Dave Winfield, produced in 1987 for Season 14. Don't forget to like and subscribe to Greatest Sports Legends for more exclusive interviews and historic moments from the world of sports.
#sports #sportslegends #1987 #boxing #boxingpromoter #promoterholding #donking
