Gerrie Coetzee’s Bionic Hand Ends Michael Dokes’s Reign

Menu Results Schedule Rankings Videos Tickets Forum Contact Us Menu Rankings Schedule Results Boxing Live Gerrie Coetzee’s Bionic Hand Ends Michael Dokes’s Reign Google News Preferred Source By Boxing News 24 Desk - 09/23/2026 - Comments Michael Dokes had the faster hands and a title defense close to home on September 23, 1983. Gerrie Coetzee had two failed title bids and a reputation for fading late. Ten rounds later, Dokes was on the canvas, and Coetzee was the WBA heavyweight champion.

Don King billed the fight at Richfield Coliseum as “The Buckeye Homecoming,” though the crowd was about 7,000 in an arena that held 22,000. Dokes (26-0-2, 15 KOs), from nearby Akron, was a 5-1 favorite over Coetzee (28-3-1, 17 KOs). His title reign had begun with a disputed first-round stoppage of Mike Weaver, followed by a draw in their rematch.

Coetzee knew how a strong start could go wrong. John Tate had outlasted him over 15 rounds, and Weaver had stopped him in the 13th. Dokes showed his speed early and cut the challenger near the right eye in round two. Coetzee took the punches and kept coming.