UK Tour ‘Entertains crowds’ and Demonstrates that Friendships Make Boxing Great …
Former professional US boxing legends Larry Holmes and Gerry Cooney have recently celebrated 40 years since the most talked about fight in Modern Boxing History – a milestone recognised in the US and now in the UK as the two visit to talk about the sport and their friendship that has endured over the years.
The celebrity pair entertained around 170 guests at the first ‘Nights With’ Evening at Stonham Barns Park – one of Suffolk’s premier destination venues.
The meet and greet event (on 16 May) featured an evening meal, after dinner stories and photo opportunities at The Barn and The Aspal function room which features the all-new McCrory’s Sports Bar – a new facility for the venue.
Larry ‘The Easton Assassin’ Holmes, so called as he was born in Easton, Pennsylvania, defended his World Boxing Council (WBC) Heavyweight World Title belt against top contender ‘Gentleman’ Gerry Cooney in 1972 outdoors at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Holmes won by way of a 13th round technical knockout in one of boxing’s most-hyped fights of the twentieth century. Gerry, who was born in Manhattan, New York City, was a pro boxing competitor from 1977–1990. He challenged World Heavyweight Titles twice in his career, most notably against Larry Holmes. Cooney is now co-host of Friday Night at the Fights on SIRIUS XM Radio in the US.
Boxing is still their passion. Holmes (72) and Cooney (65) have been close, lifelong friends. Said Holmes of the fight, ‘Gerry Cooney, man, he was one tough fighter. He really brought it. He’s a good guy, like a brother to me. We talk all the time. I like hanging with him. He’s funny.’
In the most self-effacing way, Holmes says of all the attention surrounding the 40 Years Anniversary of the fight, ‘After all these years, people still remember us!’
Stonham Barns Park Owner, Alan Forward added: ‘We are hugely privileged to have hosted these outstanding personalities from the world of boxing. What a start to ‘Nights With’ Evenings to have such respected names from the sporting past – such an honour.’
‘We have lots of other events lined up for the summer – some also featuring big sporting names – that we hope will be of interest to people from region and to people who stay at Stonham Barns Park over the months ahead.’
The next event is a free entry ‘meet and greet’ with Keith Deller at McCrory’s Sports Bar on Saturday 21 May at 7.00pm.
Stonham Barns Park is a day out for all the family to suit all ages. Other activities at the leisure, retail and holiday venue include The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary, The Bistro, The Golf Centre including Adventure Golf and FootGolf, The Teapot Pottery, Escape Rooms, holiday lodges, a caravan park, camping and glamping, Tumbledown indoor play barn and fishing lakes.
For more information about Stonham Barns Park please contact 01449 711901 or visit www.stonhambarns.co.uk
