| Michael Dokes | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Michael Dokes |
| Nickname(s) | Dynamite |
| Rated at | Heavyweight |
| Nationality | American |
| Born | August 10, 1958 Akron, Ohio |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 61 |
| Wins | 53 |
| Wins by KO | 33 |
| Losses | 6 |
| Draws | 2 |
| No contests | 0 |
Michael Marshall Dokes (born August 10, 1958 in Akron, Ohio) is a former American boxer in the heavyweight division, nicknamed "Dynamite."
Contents |
Dokes won a silver medal at the 1975 Pan American Games. He lost a 3-2 split decision to Teofilio Stevenson in the finals. He also lost a close decision to John Tate in the Olympic Trials, after which he turned professional.
Dokes turned professional in 1976. He received national exposure in a televised exhibition with Muhammad Ali in 1977, which saw Ali clown and mug while slipping Dokes' punches, but also revealed glimpses of Dokes' potential.[1] He came to real prominence in 1979 by defeating veteran contender Jimmy Young. His career faltered slightly after fighting to a draw with Ossie Ocasio, but Dokes returned to knock out Ocasio in one round soon thereafter. By early 1982, after a first round knockout of Lynn Ball to win the NABF title, Dokes was in line for a title shot. He was ranked #2 by the WBC and #3 by the WBA. Dokes became WBA heavyweight champion in 1982 by knocking out Mike Weaver in the first round. A rematch was ordered due to the controversial nature of referee Joey Curtis's stoppage, which some felt was premature. In the rematch, Dokes retained his title on a majority draw.
Dokes's reign as the WBA title holder was short-lived. He lost his title by a tenth round knockout to Gerrie Coetzee. He was later knocked out by future champion Evander Holyfield in a fight which was called the "Heavyweight Fight of the Year" in 1989, and the "Heavyweight Fight of the Decade" for the 1980s.
Dokes was knocked out by Razor Ruddock in 1990. In 1993, Dokes faced newly crowned heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe in his first title defense since defeating Evander Holyfield. Bowe won by TKO in the first round. Although Dokes and his team protested that the fight was stopped prematurely, it was obvious that Dokes was in no condition to continue after taking a vicious barrage of punches from the heavy hitting Bowe. After a nearly three year hiatus, Dokes returned to the ring winning 3 out 5 matches over a two year period before retiring for good in 1997.
Dokes was named The Ring magazine Comeback of the Year fighter for 1988.
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.Late in 2008, Dokes was released on parole.[1]
He is currently fighting a battle with liver cancer.
| Achievements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Dwain Bonds |
United States Amateur Heavyweight Champion 1975 |
Succeeded by Marvin Stinson |
| Vacant
Title last held by
Leroy Jones |
NABF Heavyweight Champion 30 January 1982 - 10 December 1982 Vacated |
Succeeded by Tim Witherspoon |
| Preceded by Mike Weaver |
Heavyweight boxing champion (WBA) 1982–1983 |
Succeeded by Gerrie Coetzee |
| Vacant
Title last held by
Leon Spinks |
WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Champion 28 April 1988 - 11 March 1989 |
Succeeded by Evander Holyfield |
| New title | WBA Inter-Continental Heavyweight Champion 13 November 1989 - 4 April 1990 |
Succeeded by Razor Ruddock |