Michael Dokes
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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 held the title to the time that Mike Tyson held 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. Dokes was eventually sent to prison on assault charges.
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