Gerrie Coetzee was a 6′ 3″ inch heavyweight boxer from south Africa who had won over 180 bouts as an amateur. He had turned pro in September of 1974, and campaigned successfully in the ranks for over 4 years. He came to prominence on June 24, 1979 when he took on ex-champion Leon Spinks in south Africa, and knocked him out in the first round. I vividly recall watching the fight on NBC tv with Dick Enberg and Ken Norton doing the play by play announcing.
The big brawler had a history of right hand injuries, and had over 20 surgeries on it during his career. He had a steel plate inserted in it, earning the nickname ‘The Bionic’ heavyweight. He could punch and the fact that he was white didn’t hurt his popularity.
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