Former professional boxer Gerry Cooney visited with a group of 18 to 24-year-old male residents at the Westchester County Department of Correction. Known for his powerful punches and two heavyweight title challenges in the 1980’s, Cooney was born in New York City on August 24, 1956, and raised in Huntington, Long Island.
The residents participating in the discussion are enrolled in the Department’s Youth Opportunity Program (YOP), which supports young adults in developing the life skills necessary for a successful reentry into the community. YOP offers a structured environment for selected sentenced and unsentenced males ages 18–24, and provides extensive educational and mentoring services, supported by a multi-disciplinary team that includes psychiatrists, psychologists and psychiatric nurses to address behavioral health needs.
Cooney was highly engaging during the visit, sharing his journey and experiences as a young adult, his path to professional boxer, and some of his personal struggles and the ways he overcame adversity. The young adults asked many questions and were clearly inspired by his story.
Cooney’s boxing career began early, encouraged by his father. He had a successful amateur career with 55 wins and only 3 losses, earning two New York Golden Gloves titles. Turning professional in 1977, Cooney secured a series of high-profile wins, including knockouts of former world champion Ken Norton and contenders Ron Lyle and Jimmy Young. He also had two heavyweight title bouts against Larry Holmes and Michael Spinks.
Correction Commissioner Joseph K. Spano welcomed the visit, stating: “We greatly appreciate Gerry Cooney taking the time to have such a heartfelt and meaningful discussion with YOP residents. These young men are working very hard to get on a better life path and can certainly benefit from this type of positive engagement.”
The visit was organized by Correction Officer Benevolent Association President Neil Pellone, who said: “I’ve known Gerry for many years and felt that sharing his life story would resonate with the young men in the Youth Opportunity Program. His ability to overcome life’s challenges—both in and out of the ring—is a powerful message.”
The Westchester County Department of Correction is a recognized national leader in rehabilitation, with programs accredited by the American Correctional Association, the National Commission on Correctional Health Care, and the Prison Rape Elimination Act.