Michael Dokes was a former World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight champion who competed from 1976 to 1997. He was known for his speed, power, and charisma in the ring. He won the WBA title in 1982 by knocking out Mike Weaver in the first round, but lost it a year later to Gerrie Coetzee. He also fought against other notable heavyweights such as Evander Holyfield, Riddick Bowe, and Donovan Ruddock. He died of liver cancer on August 11, 2012, at the age of 54.
Contents
Early Life and Amateur Career
Michael Dokes was born on August 10, 1958, in Akron, Ohio. He started boxing at the age of 10 and quickly showed his talent and potential. He won the National AAU Heavyweight Championship in 1975 and the National Golden Gloves Heavyweight Championship in 1976. He also won a silver medal at the 1975 Pan American Games, losing to Cuban legend Teófilo Stevenson in the final. He narrowly missed the chance to represent the United States at the 1976 Olympics, losing to John Tate in the trials.
Professional Career and WBA Title
Dokes turned professional in 1976 and received national exposure in a televised exhibition with Muhammad Ali in 1977. He rose to prominence in 1979 by defeating veteran contender Jimmy Young. He became the number one contender for the WBA title after knocking out Lynn Ball in the first round in 1982.
He challenged Mike Weaver for the WBA title on December 10, 1982, in Las Vegas. He stunned the champion with a barrage of punches in the opening seconds and knocked him down. The referee stopped the fight after 63 seconds, making Dokes the new WBA heavyweight champion. However, the stoppage was controversial, as some felt that Weaver was still able to continue. The Nevada State Athletic Commission had instructed the referee to be more cautious after the death of Duk Koo Kim, a Korean boxer who died after a fight with Ray Mancini a few weeks earlier.
Dokes defended his title against Weaver in a rematch on May 20, 1983, in Las Vegas. The fight was much more competitive and ended in a majority draw, allowing Dokes to retain his title. However, many observers felt that Weaver had done enough to win.
Dokes lost his title in his second defense against Gerrie Coetzee, a South African challenger, on September 23, 1983, in Richfield, Ohio. Coetzee knocked out Dokes in the tenth round with a right hand that broke Dokes’ jaw.
Later Career and Challenges
Dokes continued to fight after losing his title, but his career was hampered by drug and legal problems. He was arrested several times for cocaine possession and domestic violence. He also struggled with weight and motivation issues.
He had a brief comeback in the late 1980s and early 1990s, winning the WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title and the WBA Inter-Continental heavyweight title. He challenged Evander Holyfield for the undisputed heavyweight title on March 11, 1989, in Las Vegas, but was knocked out in the tenth round. He also faced Riddick Bowe for the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles on February 6, 1993, in New York, but was stopped in the first round.
He fought his last professional fight on October 4, 1997, losing to Brian Nix by a technical knockout in the third round. He retired with a record of 53 wins (33 by knockout), 6 losses, and 2 draws.
Cause of Death and Legacy
Dokes was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2011 and underwent chemotherapy. He died on August 11, 2012, at an Akron hospice, one day after his 54th birthday. He was survived by his daughter, his mother, and his siblings.
Dokes was inducted into the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014. He is remembered as one of the fastest and most exciting heavyweights of his era, who had the potential to be a great champion, but was derailed by personal demons.
According to ESPN, former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes said of Dokes: “He was a good fighter, a good puncher, a good boxer. He had everything going for him. He just got mixed up with the wrong crowd.”
According to Wikipedia, former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson said of Dokes: “He was a magnificent fighter. He had all the skills. He had speed, power, movement. He was awesome.”
According to Sky Sports, former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis said of Dokes: “He was a warrior who always gave his best. He was a great fighter and a great person. He will be missed.”
