Gerry Cooney is a retired American professional boxer known for his towering height and devastating left hook. He rose to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s, amassing an undefeated record that led to a world heavyweight title challenge. His 1982 bout against champion Larry Holmes was one of the most anticipated and racially charged fights in boxing history. After retiring from the sport, Cooney has dedicated his life to helping others, founding an organization to assist retired fighters and speaking openly about his own struggles with alcoholism.