John Dino Denis: Gerry Cooney and the 70’s Heavyweight Division
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By Jim Amato
In the talent laden heavyweight era of the 1970’s a few notable fighters have slipped through the cracks. One such fighter was Massachusetts native, John “Dino” Denis. He was as game as they come and he battled some of the best of his era.
Born in 1951, John turned professional in 1972. By 1976 he would run his record up to an impressive 28-0-1. Among the notables he defeated were Terry Daniels, Mike Boswell, Joe “King” Roman and the rugged Scott LeDoux. It all came crashing down in 1976 when Dino was slated on the comeback trail of George Foreman. Dino showed the heart of a lion but was finally overwhelmed by Foreman’s power in round four.
In 1977 Dino dropped a decision to a talented big guy named Leroy Jones. Denis would then win seven in a row which would lead him to a 1979 match against the red hot Gerry Cooney. Dino just ended up becoming another notch in the gun as “Gentlemen” Gerry stopped him in round three. Dino then reeled off nine straight before a surprising KO loss to Donnie Long in 1982. The loss to Long pretty much put Denis out of the rankings. In 1983 Dino was halted by the underrated and effective Joe Bugner. Denis retired but then in 1990 he had a two fight come back winning one and having a draw in another against very limited competition.
In all John fought 52 contests. He ended up with a very respectable 45-5-2, 20 KO’s record.
