South African Former Heavyweight Champion Coetzee Dies
Umer Jamshaid Published January 13, 2023 | 09:50 PM
Johannesburg, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Jan, 2023 ) :Former world heavyweight champion Gerrie Coetzee, whose fans included political icon Nelson Mandela, has died in Cape Town from lung cancer aged 67, his family told AFP on Friday.
Coetzee won the World Boxing Association version of the division in 1983, knocking out American Michael Dokes in the 10th round in Ohio.
But his reign was short lived as he lost controversially to another American, Greg Page, in South Africa the following year.
The title fight was stopped after the scheduled three minutes of the eighth round had elapsed because the timekeeper forgot to ring the bell.
Coetzee, who defied apartheid laws by fighting non-whites in front of multiracial crowds, met Mandela several times after the political prisoner was freed from jail.
"He listened in prison to radio commentaries of some of my fights," Coetzee told reporters after a meeting with the man who became the first democratically elected president of South Africa,In the racially segregated South Africa of the 1980s, Coetzee, who was born in an eastern Johannesburg working-class suburb, insisted he represented all races.
"I am proud that black, brown and white South Africans accept me as their champion," said the boxer who disliked beng labelled the "great white hope".
Related Topics
Recent Stories
PTI to stage nationwide protests against alleged electoral frauds
Senate continues discussion on Presidential address to Joint Sitting of Parliame ..
Masood Khan calls for Pak-US cooperation for regional peace
Interior Minister starts Margalla Trail Patrol for security
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 26 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 26 April 2024
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
2 hours ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
3 hours ago -
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
3 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
4 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
5 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
5 days ago
-
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
5 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
5 days ago -
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
7 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
11 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
12 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
12 days ago