“I grew up in a household where I learned five things from my old man. You know what they were? You're no good. You're a failure. You're not going to amount to anything. Don't trust nobody, and don't tell nobody your business. When I lost to Larry Holmes in 1982, I felt all five of those things smacked me right across the face.”

American former professional boxer

Gerry Cooney is an American former professional boxer who fought from 1977 to 1990. He is best known for challenging for the world heavyweight title twice, in 1982 and 1987, and for the power that made him widely regarded as one of the hardest punchers in heavyweight history. During his career, Cooney recorded notable wins over Ken Norton, S. T. Gordon, Ron Lyle, and Jimmy Young, all late in their careers. His record also reflects an 85.7% knockout to win percentage, a measure that matches his reputation as a heavy-handed fighter.