On September 23, 1983, Michael Dokes (26-0-2, 15 KOs), the heavyweight WBA champion, defends his title against South African challenger, Gerrie Coetzee (28-3-1, 17 KOs).
Michael Dokes is coming off a draw with a 53% KO rate; his last fight was a majority decision loss to Mike Weaver, 4 months and 3 days ago. Gerrie Coetzee is coming off a draw with a 53% KO rate, with his last fight being a majority decision loss to Pinklon Thomas, 8 months and 1 day ago.
The winning odds are at 89.5-10.5 in favor of Gerrie Coetzee. Michael Dokes may have moments of brilliance during the fight but it won't be enough for him to get the victory.
Gerrie Coetzee stopped the champion via KO in the 10th round of the 15-round world-title fight, winning the first world title of his career, and is crowned the new WBA heavyweight champion. Coetzee improves his record to 29-3-1 (18 KOs), while Dokes adds a loss to his record at 26-1-2.