After Dinner Speakers: Henry Cooper, Roxette, Steve Rider

Sir Henry Cooper OBE KSG, former European and British and Commonwealth heavyweight boxing champion, was born in London in 1934. The elder by 20 minutes of twins. He and George grew up in Bellingham, South London, and were keen all-round sportsmen at school before turning exclusively to amateur boxing. In 84 amateur bouts, Sir Henry won 73 and lost 11. He won his first title in 1952 and represented Great Britain in the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki. In a professional career spanning 17 years, Sir Henry fought 55 bouts, winning 40 times, he was British heavyweight champion for a record twelve years and was the first of a unique few to put Mohammed Ali on the canvas. Feared for his left hook, nicknamed ‘enrys ‘ammer, Sir Henry Cooper is a true British sports hero, a gentleman with a world of fascinating experiences to relate