American Upsetters

Eric Molina will attempt to become the latest American heavyweight to spring an upset in Britain when he battles IBF heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua.

IBF champion Joshua will make the second defence of his IBF title against Molina at Manchester Arena on December 10, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Can his Texas-born opponent add his name to the list of US heavies who have pulled off famous victories on British soil? Here’s a reminder of five painful American upsets from the past…

Henry Cooper lost PTS10 v Amos Johnson, October 19, 1965

The much-loved Cooper, fondly remembered as ‘Our Henry’, suffered a number of setbacks during his dramatic ring career. A year after flooring Muhammad Ali during that gallant first defeat in 1963, Cooper had dropped a dull points loss to Californian Roger Rischer, but his defeat to Johnson was far more of a surprise.

Cooper had regained the British and Commonwealth titles and appeared to be moving towards a world title shot when he suffered another slip-up against Johnson. The Ohio man had posed problems on a previous trip, holding German favourite Karl Mildenberger to a draw in Berlin, and soon unsettled Cooper with a sustained body attack. Cooper’s fragile facial skin was cut again in the seventh round and Johnson was awarded the points win after the 10th. 

Johnson did not enjoy his next visit to Britain a year later, when he was disqualified in his fight with Brian London for persistent use of the head. 

Frank Bruno lost KO10 v James ‘Bonecrusher’ Smith, May 13, 1984

The chiselled Londoner made a more destructive start to his career than Joshua, racking up 21 straight stoppage wins, and Smith was expected to become another inside-the-distance loser.

Since being halted on his debut, the American had earned 13 wins against little-known opposition, …

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