Gerhardus Christian Coetzee was a South African professional boxer who competed from 1974 to 1986 and in 1993 and 1997. He was the first African ever to fight for, and win, a world heavyweight championship, having held the WBA title from 1983 to 1984.
Gerrie Coetzee Cause Of Death
Coetzee succumbed to the illness at his Cape Town home while surrounded by family. South African boxing giant Gerrie Coetzee died on Thursday from lung cancer aged 67.
The news of his death was confirmed on Thursday (12.01.23) night to News24 by Gerrie’s manager Thinus Strydom, who the outlet said confirmed he died from lung cancer at his Cape Town home.
News24 added, “he had been given his prognosis by doctors around a week ago, upon consultation, and died surrounded by his family”.
One online tribute to Gerrie said: “A giant has fallen. The Boksburg Bomber has succumbed to illness.
“Almost exactly 40 years after his great triumph – winning the WBA heavyweight championship by 10th-round KO against Mike Dokes – Gerrie Coetzee has died aged 67.”
Gerrie competed from 1974 to 1986 and in 1993 and 1997.