Randall "Tex" Cobb, a former heavyweight boxing contender, has led a life of incredible diversity, with three distinct careers spanning kickboxing, professional boxing, and acting. Born on May 7, 1950, in Bridge City, Texas, Cobb's impressive physical stature at 6'3" and 225 pounds, coupled with his exceptional skills in high school football and martial arts, set the stage for his future endeavors.
As a thrill-seeker, Cobb launched a professional kickboxing career, which saw him rack up an impressive 9 consecutive knockout victories. However, he soon realized that the real money lay in boxing, and so he made the switch. Cobb's remarkable abilities, including his "cast-iron" chin, powerful sledge-hammer punch, and engaging personality, quickly established him as one of the top heavyweight contenders in the world.
Cobb's most notable boxing match was against the formidable Larry Holmes, who handed him a brutal, one-sided beating over 15 rounds. Although Cobb remained on his feet throughout the fight, the punishment was severe, and it reportedly caused legendary boxing announcer Howard Cosell to swear off the sport for the rest of his life. Cobb, however, took the beating in stride, sporting a wide grin and a smirk.
The Hollywood community took notice of Cobb's charismatic antics, and he was subsequently cast as Jon Voight's opponent in the remake of The Champ (1979). This marked the beginning of his acting career, which would go on to feature him in numerous action roles that leveraged his impressive physicality.
Cobb made a successful ring comeback in the early 1990s, extending his winning streak to an impressive 20 consecutive victories. However, he unexpectedly retired from boxing with a remarkable record of 43-7, featuring 36 knockouts. Since then, he has continued to act and has been the subject of a highly controversial Sports Illustrated article, which led to numerous lawsuits.
