Legendary boxer "Gentleman" Gerry Cooney appeared at the M Club's first brunch of the year with great fanfare, admiration and his trademark smile.

"This was a great event," Cooney said. "To come to Manhattanville and to talk about boxing, life and other things on a Sunday is incredible."

The event started with a brunch that involved Cooney, Valiants fans and some Manhattanville's most recognized members of athletics.

Valiants Men's Basketball Head Coach Dean "The Dream" Meminger appeared along with Manhattanville President Richard Berman, Director of Athletics Keith Levinthal and M Club Coordinator Pat Scanlon.

To those who attended, however, it was Cooney who stole the show.

He talked about his career, how to maintain focus in life and joked around about his golf game. Cooney met with everyone who attended, signed autographs, posed for pictures and even spoke about his appearance on the hit television show "The Simpsons" in 1993.

Cooney was a household name during his pro career, even though he never claimed a championship title as a professional. Having turned pro in 1977, Cooney rose to recognition with a memorable 4th round knockout of Jimmy Young in 1980.

After the Young bout, Cooney fought Larry Holmes, Ken Norton, Michael Spinks, George Foreman and many others while on his way to an excellent professional record of 28-3 (24 KO’s).

Now Cooney is involved with F.I.S.T. (Fighters Initiative for Support and Training). F.I.S.T. is a non-profit foundation dedicated to providing treatment, counseling and career path assistance to fighters who lack the resources needed for a successful transition after prizefighting.

Cooney founded the organization in 1998 after talking with boxers whose lives had fallen apart after leaving the sport without money or resources. He felt an organization was needed to address the problems of current and former fighters who did not have any viable means of support or job skills.

For the M Club, the event's success will help Manhattanville continue to reach out to its alumni and its fans.