41 years ago

Date: 23rd September 1983

Title: WBA World Heavyweight Title

Promoter: Don King Productions

Tv: HBO Championship Boxing

Michael Dokes
( 26 - 0 - 2 )
Weight: 217 lbs

Gerrie Coetzee
( 28 - 3 - 1 )
Weight: 215 lbs

On September 23, 1983, Michael Dokes defended his WBA Heavyweight Title against South African challenger Gerrie Coetzee at the Richfield Coliseum in Richfield Township, Ohio. The fight, billed as "The Buckeye Homecoming," took place just a short distance from Dokes' hometown of Akron.

Dokes, a 5-1 favourite, was looking to solidify his position as a legitimate heavyweight champion. At the same time, Coetzee, a two-time title challenger, was widely viewed as making his final attempt at winning a world title. Despite the potential for racial tensions, given Coetzee's South African background, the fight did not take on the same racial overtones as the Larry Holmes vs Gerry Cooney bout a year earlier, mainly due to Coetzee's public opposition to Apartheid.

Dokes showcased his speed and skill in the early rounds, keeping Coetzee off-balance with a combination of head and body shots. However, the tide turned in the fifth round when Coetzee connected with a right hand that sent Dokes to the canvas. Coetzee, known for his powerful "Bionic Right," gained confidence as the fight progressed, applying constant pressure and throwing more left hooks than in his previous title challenges.

As the fight entered the later rounds, Dokes began to retreat, and Coetzee capitalised on his momentum. In the tenth round, Coetzee hurt Dokes and pinned him against the ropes, landing a series of right hands. A final right hand sent Dokes to the canvas, where he rolled and grabbed the ring rope, unable to beat the count. With this victory, Coetzee became the first White boxer to win a world heavyweight title in 23 years and the first African to ever hold the title.

Challenges marked the fight's aftermath for both fighters. Coetzee broke his right hand with the punch that knocked out Dokes, requiring surgery and a lengthy recovery period. Due to financial and promotional issues and Coetzee's recurring hand injuries, a highly anticipated unification bout with Larry Holmes failed to materialise. Coetzee ultimately lost the WBA title in his first defence against Greg Page in December 1984.

Dokes, meanwhile, faced personal struggles with drugs in the years following the loss. He made several comebacks, including a memorable fight against Evander Holyfield in 1989, but never regained a world title. In 1993, he challenged Riddick Bowe for the WBA and IBF titles but was stopped in the first round.

The Dokes-Coetzee fight, named The Ring magazine's Upset of the Year for 1983, marked a significant moment in boxing history.