Randall "Tex" Cobb was one of the toughest, most durable heavyweights to ever step into the boxing ring. Known for his granite chin, fearless attitude, and larger-than-life personality, Cobb built a reputation as a fighter who could take enormous amounts of punishment and keep coming forward. While his record may not reflect championship-level success, Cobb's heart and grit made him a fan favorite during the 1970s and 1980s. In addition to his boxing career, Cobb also became a successful actor, with memorable roles in movies like Raising Arizona and Uncommon Valor, adding to his legend as a true character of the sport.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Randall Cobb was born on May 7, 1950, in Bridge City, Texas. Cobb had a rough upbringing and gravitated toward physical activities from an early age, finding outlets in martial arts and later boxing. He attended Abilene Christian University in Texas, where he played football, but it was his pursuit of combat sports that would ultimately define his career.

Before entering the professional boxing ring, Cobb trained in karate and kickboxing, which helped him develop a fearlessness and high pain threshold. His transition to boxing came in the mid-1970s, when he realized his true passion lay in the squared circle. Cobb turned professional in 1977, quickly earning a reputation as a hard-nosed fighter who was willing to take on all comers.

Rising Through the Heavyweight Ranks

Standing at 6'3" and weighing around 230 pounds, Tex Cobb was a natural heavyweight, and his size and strength made him a formidable opponent. He began his career with an impressive string of victories, using his sheer physicality to overpower opponents. Cobb's fighting style was that of a brawler—he wasn't the most technical boxer, but he was relentless, often absorbing punishment to land his own heavy punches.

Cobb’s toughness quickly became the stuff of legend. Even in fights where he was outclassed technically, Cobb’s ability to take punches that would knock out other fighters earned him respect and admiration from fans and peers alike. One of his earliest significant victories came in 1979, when he knocked out Bernardo Mercado, a top contender, in the ninth round. The win marked Cobb as a rising figure in the heavyweight division.

The Fight Against Larry Holmes

Randall "Tex" Cobb’s most famous—and infamous—fight came on November 26, 1982, when he challenged heavyweight champion Larry Holmes for the WBC heavyweight title. Holmes, one of the greatest heavyweights of all time, was expected to easily dispatch Cobb. However, the fight became a test of Cobb’s legendary durability.

Holmes dominated the fight from start to finish, landing an astonishing number of punches on Cobb, who seemed impervious to the punishment. Despite Holmes hitting Cobb with nearly every punch in his arsenal, Cobb refused to go down. His granite chin kept him standing for the full 15 rounds, and though Holmes won a lopsided unanimous decision, Cobb’s toughness became the story of the night.

The fight was so one-sided that sports broadcaster Howard Cosell, calling the bout on live television, famously declared that he would never cover another boxing match, disgusted by the brutality of the beating Cobb absorbed. Despite the loss, Cobb’s performance against Holmes solidified his reputation as one of the toughest men in boxing.

Notable Fights and Career Challenges

Cobb’s career was filled with notable fights against some of the biggest names in the heavyweight division. In addition to his fight with Holmes, Cobb fought heavyweight contenders like Ken Norton, Michael Dokes, and Leon Spinks. Though he didn’t always emerge victorious, Cobb’s willingness to fight the best in the division earned him respect.

In 1980, Cobb faced former heavyweight champion Earnie Shavers in a highly anticipated bout. Shavers, known for being one of the hardest punchers in boxing history, was expected to knock Cobb out. Instead, Cobb wore down Shavers with his constant pressure and heavy punches, ultimately winning by technical knockout in the eighth round.

However, Cobb’s lack of technical skills and defensive ability often left him vulnerable to fighters with more refined boxing abilities. His reliance on his chin and grit worked against certain opponents but limited his chances of becoming a true championship contender. After the Holmes fight, Cobb struggled to regain momentum in his career, suffering losses to top fighters like Michael Dokes and Buster Douglas.

Transition to Acting and Hollywood Success

While his boxing career was winding down, Randall "Tex" Cobb found a second life in Hollywood. With his rugged good looks, imposing physique, and natural charisma, Cobb easily transitioned into acting. His first significant role came in 1983 when he starred in Uncommon Valor alongside Gene Hackman. Cobb's rough-and-tumble persona was a perfect fit for action films, and his career in Hollywood took off.

One of Cobb’s most iconic roles came in 1987, when he starred as the relentless biker villain Leonard Smalls in the Coen Brothers’ cult classic Raising Arizona. His portrayal of the near-indestructible bounty hunter solidified Cobb as a memorable presence in Hollywood, and the role remains one of his most well-known to this day.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Cobb appeared in numerous films and television shows, often playing tough-guy characters. His acting career allowed him to move beyond the boxing ring, giving him a lasting presence in popular culture.

Fighting Style and Legacy

Tex Cobb’s fighting style was built around his toughness, physical strength, and relentless forward pressure. He was never known for his boxing finesse or footwork, but his willingness to walk through punches and keep fighting earned him a reputation as one of the hardest men to stop. Cobb’s ability to absorb punishment, even from some of the hardest punchers in boxing, made him a unique figure in the sport.

Cobb’s legacy in boxing is not one of championships or perfect records, but of heart, grit, and determination. Fans admired Cobb for his refusal to quit, no matter how outgunned he appeared in the ring. His iconic bout with Larry Holmes is still remembered as one of the most one-sided yet enduring displays of toughness in heavyweight history.

In addition to his boxing legacy, Cobb’s contributions to popular culture through his acting career have made him a beloved figure beyond the sport. Whether in the ring or on the silver screen, Randall "Tex" Cobb remains a larger-than-life figure, known for his resilience and entertaining performances.

Life After Boxing and Acting

After retiring from boxing in the late 1990s, Cobb continued to make occasional appearances in films and television, but he largely stepped away from the spotlight. He has also spoken out about the dangers of boxing, particularly the long-term health effects that many fighters experience after their careers are over.

Cobb’s love of martial arts and kickboxing never left him, and he continued to train and stay active even in his later years. Despite the punishment he took in the ring, Cobb maintained his good humor and positive outlook on life, becoming a beloved figure in both boxing and entertainment circles.

Conclusion

Randall "Tex" Cobb’s career was marked by extraordinary toughness and a refusal to quit, even in the face of overwhelming odds. While he never captured a world championship, his heart, durability, and larger-than-life persona made him a fan favorite and a respected figure in the sport. His transition to Hollywood further cemented his place as a cultural icon, with memorable roles that showcased his rugged charm.

Key Achievements:

• Fought for the WBC heavyweight title against Larry Holmes (1982)
• Defeated legendary puncher Earnie Shavers (1980)
• Became a successful actor with iconic roles in films like Raising Arizona

Tex Cobb’s legacy as a boxer and actor is one of perseverance, entertainment, and grit. Whether in the ring or on the screen, he left a lasting impression that fans will remember for years to come.