Tributes pour in for ‘Boksburg Bomber’ Gerrie Coetzee
Tributes are pouring in for former South African and World Boxing Association heavyweight champion Gerrie Coetzee.
Coetzee, who was known as the Boksburg Bomber, died at his Western Cape home on Thursday.
He was 67.
Coetzee passed away following a short struggle with cancer.
He became the WBA world heavyweight champion in 1983 after defeating Michael Dokes of the United States with a knock-out in the 10th round of their title fight.
Saddened to hear of the passing of Gerrie Coetzee, a true champion that put South African boxing on the map.
— Herman Mashaba (@HermanMashaba) January 13, 2023
I had the privilege to work with Gerrie during the 70s & 80s to promote boxing, and will never forget his passion.
My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/C95NkuS6mW
RIP LEGEND Gerrie Coetzee , sterkte aan sy familie in hierdie moeilike hartseer tyd. pic.twitter.com/PuRHwZYZxT
— Miss World1974 - Anneline Kriel (@MissWorld1974) January 12, 2023
A giant has fallen. The Boksburg Bomber🥊has succumbed to illness. Almost exactly 40 years after his great triumph - winning the WBA heavyweight championship by 10th-round KO against Mike Dokes - Gerrie Coetzee has died aged 67. RIP.
— Steve Haag Sports (@STEVEHAAGSPORT) January 12, 2023
South African outlets are reporting the death of 1980s heavyweight titleholder Gerrie Coetzee in Capetown. Coetzee knocked out Michael Dokes in 1983 and fought Mike Weaver, Leon Spinks, James Tillis, Greg Page, Pinklon Thomas, and others. Coetzee was 67. VC: crazyKOcounters pic.twitter.com/xrYu55Xkfs
— Ringside Seat (@RingsideSeatMag) January 12, 2023
