By Laurie Whitwell Last updated at 11:34 PM on 2nd May 2011
Muhammad Ali has led the tributes to Sir Henry Cooper, who died on Sunday aged 76.
'I am at a loss for words over the death of my friend,' Ali said.
Showstoppers: Muhammad Ali and Henry Cooper square up before their title fight in 1963
'I visited him two summers ago during a brief visit to Windsor as part of the Equestrian Games being held there. He was in good humour and looked quite fit. Henry always had a smile for me; a warm and embracing smile. It was always a pleasure being in his company. I will miss my old friend. He was a great fighter and a gentleman.'
Former welterweight and light-welterweight world champion Ricky Hatton said: 'Our 'Enery will be sadly missed, but he won't be forgotten by fight fans.'
WBA light-welterweight champion Amir Khan added: 'We had a good conversation about my career and what steps I should take. It was great advice. When he was inside the ring he was like an animal, but when he was outside the ring he had a lot of respect for his opponents and for his fans.'
WBA world heavyweight champion David Haye said: 'I used to watch his fights and the left hook that he hit Ali with, I've never seen a left hook thrown as punch-perfectly as that.'
Former undisputed heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis tweeted: 'R.I.P. Sir Henry Cooper. Former British, Commonwealth and European champion. My deepest condolences to the Cooper family.'
Place in our hearts: Sir Henry Cooper has died aged 76. He is pictured on his 75th birthday after aftershave company 'Brut' helped celebrate with him by re- launching the product he made famous in the 70s
Promoter Barry Hearn said: 'Henry was one of us, he was one of the people.' And chat show host Sir Michael Parkinson added: 'He was a wonderful guy, generous and funny and kind, and one of the best heavyweights we have produced.'
Now watch Cooper's finest moment with his knockdown of Ali...
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