Ekurhuleni boxing great and former World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight champion Gerrie Coetzee died on January 12.
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The ‘Boksburg Bomber’, as he was affectionately known, succumbed to illness at the age of 67.
He captured the hearts of South Africans when he became the nation’s first world heavyweight champion in 1983.
Also dubbed ‘The Bionic Hand’ because of his surgically repaired right hand, he knocked out American Michael Dokes in the 10th round to win his only WBA heavyweight title at the Richfield Coliseum in Ohio on September 23, 1983.
Coetzee would go on to lose his title in his first attempt when he was knocked out in the eighth round by American Greg Page at the Sun City Superbowl in December 1984.
One of his most famous fights was when he knocked out Leon Spinks, the former World Boxing Association champion, in the first round. He sent Spinks to the canvas three times.
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He started his professional career in September 1974 when he beat veteran Christian Roos by a decision in four rounds.
In his 11th fight, with a record of 10-0, Coetzee defeated Jimmy Richards by a TKO in the ninth round to win the vacant Transvaal heavyweight title.
On August 16, 1976, he captured his first South African heavyweight title, beating his hometown rival Michael Schutte by disqualification after ‘The Tank’, as Schutte was known, attempted to kick him while on the canvas.
A gifted fighter with a powerful orthodox stance, in his 40 career fights, Coetzee won 33 bouts, lost six and drew one. He won 21 of his 40 fights by knockout.
He is survived by his wife Rina, three children and seven grandchildren.
