First, I apologize if there was ever a Fan Post on the same topic. I checked, however, and found no such evidence.

Now, time for the subject at hand! Personally, I admire the former boxer because he’s always been one of boxing’s good guys and a good Irishman. One thing I surmise would make for an interesting topic is the following: does Cooney belong in the Hall of Fame? The IBHOF in Canastota certainly looks beyond reach, but could you make the argument that the World Boxing Hall of Fame in Los Angeles seems reasonable? There are guys in the Los Angeles Boxing Hall who were never champions either. If we induct famous actors and broadcasters into the Hall, could we induct a pugilist who partook in perhaps one of the most anticipated fights in boxing history? All eyes were on Cooney and Holmes when the two finally met on June 11, 1982 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Holmes-Cooney was actually a very meaningful fight that touched the racial lines just as Louis-Schmeling.

Furthermore, Cooney was America’s last "Great White Hope," because although the Huntington, NY native never won a world title, there hasn’t really been a real great white American heavyweight since Cooney left boxing 22 years ago. Cooney was on the scene a good decade-plus before the European invasion of heavyweights, and in my view, he was the U.S.’s last great heavyweight contender. Cooney retired with a record of 28-3, 24 (KOs) and also had a notable amateur career, winning two New York Golden Gloves Championships.

What do you think? Should Gerry Cooney have made the Hall of Fame?