Coetzee's Bionic Hand Ends Dokes's Reign in Tenth Round
Gerrie Coetzee defeated Michael Dokes on September 23, 1983, using a rebuilt right hand to claim the WBA heavyweight title.
Key points
- Gerrie Coetzee defeated Michael Dokes by knockout in the tenth round on September 23, 1983.
- Coetzee won the WBA heavyweight title despite being the underdog and having two prior losses.
- The fight ended at 3:08 of the tenth round after a left-right combination dropped Dokes.
The air in Richfield Coliseum hung heavy on September 23, 1983. Michael Dokes stood tall, his speed sharp and ready. Gerrie Coetzee waited across the ring, carrying the weight of two failed bids. The crowd of 7,000 watched the start of a title defense that would end in shock.
Dokes entered the fight as a 5-1 favorite. His record showed 26 wins, 2 losses, and 15 knockouts. Coetzee faced a tougher path, with 28 wins, 3 losses, and 17 knockouts. The local champion had cut his rival near the right eye in round two. Yet Coetzee absorbed the damage and kept pushing forward, refusing to fade.
The Rebuilt Hand Changes Pace
Coetzee’s right hand had been surgically rebuilt. Boxers called it “The Bionic Hand.” It remained his most dangerous weapon that night. He also relied more on a left hook, making his attack less predictable. This mix forced Dokes to work harder than expected in the early rounds.
In the fifth round, a short combination dropped Dokes to one knee. He rose quickly, but the moment shifted the fight’s energy. Coetzee did not slow down as he had against previous opponents. He stayed close, pressing the quicker champion. By the end of the tenth, he led on all three official scorecards.
Count Out at Three Minutes
Late in the tenth round, Coetzee landed two heavy rights. He followed Dokes into the corner. The champion tied him up, but referee Tony Perez separated them. Coetzee attacked again immediately. A left-right combination sent Dokes to the canvas. The bell rang during the count, ending the fight at 3:08.
Victory Carries a Heavy Price
The win secured the WBA heavyweight title for Coetzee. It came on his third attempt. However, the right hand broke again during the fight. Surgery kept him out of the ring for over a year. He eventually lost the belt to Greg Page in his first defense.
Dokes later admitted to using cocaine and Jack Daniel’s in his preparation. That admission does not explain Coetzee’s sustained effort. On a night built to celebrate the local hero, the challenger threw with force until the end. Boxing News 24 notes the resilience of the fighter who refused to fade.
