Michael Dokes

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Statistics
Michael Dokes
Real name	Michael Dokes
Nickname	Dynamite
Weight	Heavyweight
Nationality	American
Birth date	August 10, 1958
Birth place	Akron, Ohio, USA
Style	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	61
Wins	53
Wins by KO	33
Losses	6
Draws	2
No contests	0

Michael Dokes (born August 10, 1958 in Akron, Ohio) is an American boxer in the heavyweight division, nicknamed "Dynamite".

Dokes turned professional in 1976 and first came to prominence in 1979 when he defeated veteran contender Jimmy Young. Dokes became WBA Heavyweight champion in 1982 by knocking out Mike Weaver in the first round. Many felt the fight was prematurely stopped by the referee, Joey Curtis who admitted to having been affected by the recent death of Deuk Koo Kim. A rematch with Weaver was scheduled, and Dokes retained his title on a majority draw.

It should be noted that Dokes, as all WBA Heavyweight champions from the time Muhammad Ali relinquished the title to the time that Mike Tyson won the title, was considered a "Paper Champion" by many. Most at the time considered WBC and later IBF Heavyweight champion Larry Holmes to be the legitimate Heavyweight champion.

Either way, Dokes' glory as the WBA title holder was short-lived due to personal problems. He lost his title by a 10th round KO to Gerrie Coetzee, see Gerrie Coetzee vs. Michael Dokes. He was later knocked out by future champion Evander Holyfield in an exciting fight which was called the Heavyweight Fight of the Year in 1989, and the Heavyweight Fight of the Decade for the 1980's.

Dokes was unable to fight for several years due to a problem with cocaine and was unable to make a successful comeback in the ring. His last notable fight was a title shot against champion Riddick Bowe where Dokes was stopped in the first round.

In 1999 Dokes was sentenced to between four and 15 years in prison after being convicted of an attack on his fiancee in August 1998. [1]