“A Giant Has Fallen” – Boxing World Devastated as Legendary Champion Gerrie Coetzee Dies

It’s more than a quarter century since the orthodox boxer hung his gloves. However, his name stands tall as the first boxer to come out of Africa and win a world championship. For more than twelve months, the South African held the WBA title.

Two days ago, the world of boxing woke up to the sad news. Former WBA Heavyweight champion of the world, Gerrie Coetzee, passed away aged sixty-seven. His manager, Thinus Strydom, shared the heartbreaking information with News24. Coetzee passed away from lung cancer in his Cape Town residence, with his loved ones at his side.

Gerrie Coetzee – career highlights

Gerhardus Christian Coetzee, born on April 8, 1955, took to professional boxing in 1974. He participated in ten fights for the next two years, winning all. His first shot at a title came on April 10, 1976, when he won the Transvaal (White) Heavyweight championship. Three months later, he won the South African title.

Mostly fighting out of his native country, Coetzee caught the attention of the masses when he knocked down Leon Spinks, the man who, just a year ago, won and lost a bout against the great Muhammad Ali. His victory bolstered Coetzee’s reputation as a legitimate heavyweight title contender.

However, the lady luck was yet to smile on “The Boksburg Bomber.” He lost the clash against American John Tate unanimously. The second attempt against another American, Michael Weaver, also failed. However, soon he found himself fighting more and more out of his homeland and the continent.

Read More: “They’d Eat Him for Dinner” – Frank Bruno Sends a Harsh Warning to Tyson Fury

Gerrie Coetzee finally made a rendezvous with glory in the United States. Not only did he draw a bout against future world champion Pinklon Thomas, a knockout victory over Micheal Dokes fetched him the WBA belt on September 23, 1983. But unfortunately, he ceded it to Greg Page a year later.

Coetzee fought for the next two years till the loss to Englishman Frank Bruno at Wembley on March 4, 1986. He announced a retirement following the fight.

However, by 1993, the South African was back in the ring. He continued for the next four years, winning three consecutive bouts and losing one, the final one to Iran Barkley on June 8, 1997. After that, it was time for ‘The Boksburg Bomber” to hang the gloves for good.

His record stood at thirty-three wins against six losses and one draw.

The oddest boxer nickname

During his lifetime, Coetzee suffered from medical issues troubling his right hand. As a result, he reportedly received three surgeries to address the problem. The procedure invited one of the most peculiar nicknames a boxer might have received, “The Bionic Hand.” He was given the Afrikaans moniker “Seer Handjies,” which translates to “Sore Little Hands.” South African boxing great Kallie Knoetze deserves the credit for the tagging.

His former rival Frank Bruno joined many others in offering condolences.

Watch This Story: Every Time Mike Tyson Got Rocked in His Professional Boxing Career

Now that you’ve read his story don’t forget to share your thoughts and views on the departed soul in the comments section below.