Zach Cooper: Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard and a Start to a Promising Boxing Career
Exclusive Interview by “Bad” Brad Berkwitt
Picture courtesy of Zach Cooper
“You can’t really judge a fighter on wins and losses anymore.”—Zach Cooper
Zach Cooper is a 2-0-1 with two knockouts junior middleweight who is plying his trade and wanting to fight as often as he can, but like so many young fighters without a strong promoter, it’s very difficult. In this interview, you hear from a young prospect that is just starting his boxing career and has set high goals which in time, he feels he will obtain them without any doubt.
BB: Your last fight was 20 months ago. What is going on that has you on the shelf?
Lot of situations. When you don’t have a promoter it’s tough to get those certain fights. Since it’s not being handed to me, I have to go out and get it.
BB: You have been a pro for almost two years now. Is there anything that has surprised you about being in the sport as a professional?
The judging. You can’t really judge a fighter on wins and losses anymore. At the end of a fight we’re looking more to see if they’re actually going to rob someone, or if the judges are going to screw someone over. That’s what surprised me the most in the pros.
BB: Where do you see yourself in three years when it comes to your boxing career?
A champion, without a question. Not one doubt in my mind. I don’t see anyone out there that can beat me, or that has my work ethic.
BB: What type of fighter do you consider yourself?
Boxer puncher. I can box and I can definitely punch. I will knock you out if the opportunity is there. I can adjust and out think my opponent.
BB: Who is your favorite fighter of all-time and why?
Muhammad Ali or Sugar Ray Leonard. I don’t think there’s anyone better– Ali was champ when it was tough to be champ and he fought everybody. He is hands down the best. And he was heavyweight champ when the division was stacked. Sugar Ray Leonard – what a showman, he was great. So fast, and smart. First one to fight at a catch weight. He had some of the greatest all time fights.
BB: What is the greatest fight you have ever seen and why?
Floyd Mayweather, JR. and Diego Corrales or Mayweather and Arturo Gatti or Corrales/Castillo fights. These were great performances, such great fights. These were fighters risking it all to gain everything.
BB: What is one thing outside of boxing that you can share that may surprise the readers?
I’m pretty damn good at basketball and I love going to the movies.
BB: If you could meet one person from anytime in history, who would it be and what would your first question be for them?
Malcolm X. I’d ask what made him so strong- what’s the strength that empowers him.
BB: Do you favor a mandatory retirement fund for all boxers and if so, how do you think it can finally be accomplished?
I’d definitely be in favor of it. But what would quality retirement?? And how long does the fund last, and what about retired boxers?
BB: Finally, what is the saying you live your life by?
“Live everyday like it’s your birthday.’
Follow Zach Cooper on Twitter, @ihatezachcooper and on instagram, omgitszachcooper
(Interviewer’s note: I would like to thank Amy Green for setting up this interview.)
Zachary Cooper
Division: Light Middleweight
Professional Record: 2-0-1, 2 KO’s
Date Opponent Location Result
2013-01-05 Rafael Umarov Tacoma, US W KO 1
2013-03-23 Josh Solis Tacoma, US W TKO 3
2013-06-01 Charon Spain Tacoma, US D MD 4