If Pinklon Thomas had beaten Gerrie Coetzee…

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by mr. magoo, Oct 21, 2025 at 8:19 AM.


  1. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    In 1983 rising prospect Pinklon Thomas took on the WBA’s #1 Contender Gerrie Coetzee and fought him to a draw. What if Thomas had barely managed to get the nod and dethroned Coetzee as #1 ? Would Thomas THEN have fought Michael Dokes and if so what do you think the outcome might be ?

    in hindsight BOTH Thomas and Dokes were struggling with drug problems, though I don’t know if this was common knowledge at the time. We do know that Thomas had enough of himself still together to beat Tim Witherspoon in 1984 while Dokes faded off for a few years after losing to Coetzee. I don’t know if this helps in guessing an outcome.
     
    mr. magoo, Oct 21, 2025 at 8:19 AM
    mr. magoo, Oct 21, 2025 at 8:19 AM
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  2. Dynamicpuncher

    Dynamicpuncher Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    For me Thomas beats Dokes in 1983.

    Thomas was in good form at this point and IMO he was on his way to beating Coetzee as he was coming on strong. And had it been 12 rounds I think Thomas would've won although the draw after 10 rounds was one of the most legit draws you'll ever see.

    Thomas was also just 1 year away from the best performance of his career vs Witherspoon.

    Dokes in 1983 was so-so he got a gift draw vs Weaver in their rematch that alot felt he lost. And then he got bombed out by Coetzee in pretty convincing fashion.

    So all in all I'd favour Thomas to beat Dokes in 1983.
     
    Dynamicpuncher, Oct 21, 2025 at 8:45 AM
    Dynamicpuncher, Oct 21, 2025 at 8:45 AM
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  3. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    Well reasoned. I’m inclined to agree.
     
    mr. magoo, Oct 21, 2025 at 8:48 AM
    mr. magoo, Oct 21, 2025 at 8:48 AM
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  4. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    As above I think Thomas gets a win over Dokes.
     
    Fergy, Oct 21, 2025 at 1:24 PM
    Fergy, Oct 21, 2025 at 1:24 PM
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  5. Titan1

    Titan1 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    I think Michael edges Pinklon, of course I don't think that Pinklon was all that in 1983, or he would have beaten Gerrie.
     
    Titan1, Oct 21, 2025 at 1:55 PM
    Titan1, Oct 21, 2025 at 1:55 PM
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  6. mr. magoo

    mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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    That’s fair but did DOKES beat Coetzee in 1983 ?
     
    mr. magoo, Oct 21, 2025 at 6:43 PM
    mr. magoo, Oct 21, 2025 at 6:43 PM
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  7. Titan1

    Titan1 Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Great point! I forgot that Gerrie beat Michael late in 83. But the drugs had to kick in for Gerrie to do it.
     
    Titan1, Oct 22, 2025 at 2:05 PM
    Titan1, Oct 22, 2025 at 2:05 PM
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