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
