Michael Dokes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Michael Dokes |
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| Real name | Michael Marshall Dokes | |||||||||||||
| Nickname(s) | Dynamite | |||||||||||||
| Rated at | Heavyweight | |||||||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 3 in | |||||||||||||
| Reach | 78 in | |||||||||||||
| Nationality | American | |||||||||||||
| Born | August 10, 1958 Akron, Ohio, U.S. |
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| Died | August 11, 2012 (aged 54) Akron, Ohio, U.S. |
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| Stance | Orthodox | |||||||||||||
| Boxing record | ||||||||||||||
| Total fights | 61 | |||||||||||||
| Wins | 53 | |||||||||||||
| Wins by KO | 33 | |||||||||||||
| Losses | 6 | |||||||||||||
| Draws | 2 | |||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Michael Marshall Dokes (born August 10, 1958 – died August 11, 2012) was an American professional boxer. He was known as "Dynamite" Dokes. He competed in boxing from 1976 to 1997. Michael Dokes held the WBA heavyweight title from 1982 to 1983. Before becoming a professional, he won a silver medal as an amateur boxer.
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Michael Dokes: A Boxing Champion
Michael Dokes was a talented boxer from Akron, Ohio. He was known for his powerful punches and exciting fights. Dokes became a world champion in the heavyweight division. This is the highest weight class in boxing.
Early Life and Amateur Boxing
Michael Dokes started boxing as an amateur. He was very good even when he was young. In 1974, at just 15 years old, he reached the finals of two big national tournaments. He lost to future champions like Leon Spinks and Bobby Stewart.
In 1975, Dokes won a silver medal at the 1975 Pan American Games. This was a major international competition. He competed in the heavyweight division. He lost in the finals to the famous Cuban boxer Teófilo Stevenson.
Dokes also won important national titles. He was the 1975 National AAU Heavyweight Champion. In 1976, he became the National Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion. He beat other future professional champions, including John Tate and Greg Page, on his way to winning. After a close loss to John Tate in the 1976 Olympic trials, Dokes decided to become a professional boxer.
Professional Boxing Career
Michael Dokes began his professional boxing career in 1976. Early in his career, he had a special exhibition match with the legendary Muhammad Ali in 1977. This fight showed many people Dokes' potential.
He gained more attention in 1979 when he defeated the experienced boxer Jimmy Young. Dokes had a draw (a tie) with Ossie Ocasio in one fight. But he quickly showed his strength by knocking out Ocasio in their next match.
Winning the WBA Title
By early 1982, Michael Dokes was ready for a world title shot. He won the NABF title by knocking out Lynn Ball in the first round. This made him a top contender.
In December 1982, Dokes fought Mike Weaver for the WBA heavyweight title. Dokes won the title by knocking out Weaver in the first round. This was a very fast victory. Some people thought the fight was stopped too early. In their rematch, Dokes managed to keep his title with a majority draw (a tie where most judges agree it's a draw).
Later Career and Challenges
Michael Dokes' time as WBA champion was short. He lost his title to Gerrie Coetzee in his next fight. Later, he faced other famous boxers. He was knocked out by future champion Evander Holyfield.
In 1993, Dokes fought Riddick Bowe, who was the new heavyweight champion. Bowe won the fight in the first round. Dokes continued to box for a few more years. He retired from boxing for good in 1997. He finished his professional career with 53 wins, 6 losses, and 2 draws.
Life and Legacy
Michael Dokes passed away on August 11, 2012, one day after his 54th birthday. He died from liver cancer at a hospice in Akron, Ohio. Michael Dokes will be remembered as a talented heavyweight boxer and a world champion.
See also
In Spanish: Michael Dokes para niños
