Sir Henry Cooper

Britain's most beloved heavyweight — Sir Henry Cooper was never world champion but is remembered with greater affection than almost anyone who was. His left hook — known as Enry's 'Ammer — knocked Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) down in his 1963 fight at Wembley, the only knockdown Ali suffered before Frazier in 1971. Three British heavyweight titles, three European championships and a sportsmanship that made him a national treasure long before his knighthood. His Brut aftershave advertisements became as culturally familiar to British people of the 1970s and 1980s as his boxing achievements.

Boxing is one of the most demanding disciplines in sport, requiring power, speed, technical craft and the extraordinary personal courage to compete at elite level. Career highlights included British Heavyweight Champion 3x, European Heavyweight Champion 3x, BBC Sports Personality 2x. Sir embodied the kind of complete athlete that boxing produces only rarely — technically accomplished, physically prepared and mentally equipped for the full demands of elite competition. Sir's career stands as a testament to the dedication and competitive focus that sustained excellence in boxing demands across many years at the top. Competing at the highest level in boxing over an extended period demands outstanding physical gifts and the mental resilience to overcome setbacks — something Sir Henry Cooper demonstrated consistently throughout. The dedication required to perform consistently in boxing at international level defined every aspect of Sir Henry Cooper's approach to the sport.

Orthodox stance with devastating left hook, strong chin, crowd favorite

British boxing legend who became the only fighter to win Lonsdale Belt outright three times

• British Heavyweight Champion 3x
• European Heavyweight Champion 3x
• BBC Sports Personality 2x