R.I.P Gerrie Coetzee

Saintpat · Jan 22, 2023

fists of fury said: ↑

Devastated to hear the news. Truly heartbroken. I don't keep up with the news, so I only found out today.

Gerrie was one of two of my early childhood heroes. I idolized the man. I was devastated when he lost to Weaver and later Page. Those losses stung. Especially the Page loss. But that said, I was dead proud when he won the title from Mike Dokes in '83.
That STILL remains one of my fondest memories of all. 'So Gerrie did it...' mused my dad as we warmed our hands by the heater as it was a freezing morning in my country. I didn't say anything but I was so happy.

SA was in sporting isolation and it was rare to see one of our own competing internationally in ANY sport, let alone my favourite sport. To have one of our own win 'the biggest title in sports' (as the heavyweight ttle was back them - yes it was 'only' the WBA title, but I didn't care) is amazing. He was a national hero. He will always be one, and be my hero.

I have a bust of Gerrie's huge fist, and underneath, he personally wrote 'Aan (to) Neal, van (from) Gerrie Coetzee, signed 4/6/2012.
It's gold, and incredibly detailed. You can even see the hair follicles. Amazing.

It's a big 'ol fist. Make my normal-sized hand look like a child's by comparison. That, along with a fight poster of him vs Mike Weaver and signed boxing gloves from Vic Toweel, remain along my very fondest possessions.
I also spoke via email to his wife Rina, who was a lovely lady.

Anyway, it's a been a pleasure and honour to watch this man in his prime, fighting among the very best in the world. Than you Gerrie, for everything.
Click to expand...

Great stuff. Thanks for sharing.

I’m sure Gerrie was proud knowing how much he meant to so many.

JohnThomas1 · Jan 22, 2023

fists of fury said: ↑

Devastated to hear the news. Truly heartbroken. I don't keep up with the news, so I only found out today.

Gerrie was one of two of my early childhood heroes. I idolized the man. I was devastated when he lost to Weaver and later Page. Those losses stung. Especially the Page loss. But that said, I was dead proud when he won the title from Mike Dokes in '83.
That STILL remains one of my fondest memories of all. 'So Gerrie did it...' mused my dad as we warmed our hands by the heater as it was a freezing morning in my country. I didn't say anything but I was so happy.

SA was in sporting isolation and it was rare to see one of our own competing internationally in ANY sport, let alone my favourite sport. To have one of our own win 'the biggest title in sports' (as the heavyweight ttle was back them - yes it was 'only' the WBA title, but I didn't care) is amazing. He was a national hero. He will always be one, and be my hero.

I have a bust of Gerrie's huge fist, and underneath, he personally wrote 'Aan (to) Neal, van (from) Gerrie Coetzee, signed 4/6/2012.
It's gold, and incredibly detailed. You can even see the hair follicles. Amazing.

It's a big 'ol fist. Make my normal-sized hand look like a child's by comparison. That, along with a fight poster of him vs Mike Weaver and signed boxing gloves from Vic Toweel, remain along my very fondest possessions.
I also spoke via email to his wife Rina, who was a lovely lady.

Anyway, it's a been a pleasure and honour to watch this man in his prime, fighting among the very best in the world. Than you Gerrie, for everything.
Click to expand...

It's posts like this that make the forum go round. Rare personal insights straight from the heart. Nice one.

mr. magoo · Jan 22, 2023

fists of fury said: ↑

Devastated to hear the news. Truly heartbroken. I don't keep up with the news, so I only found out today.

Gerrie was one of two of my early childhood heroes. I idolized the man. I was devastated when he lost to Weaver and later Page. Those losses stung. Especially the Page loss. But that said, I was dead proud when he won the title from Mike Dokes in '83.
That STILL remains one of my fondest memories of all. 'So Gerrie did it...' mused my dad as we warmed our hands by the heater as it was a freezing morning in my country. I didn't say anything but I was so happy.

SA was in sporting isolation and it was rare to see one of our own competing internationally in ANY sport, let alone my favourite sport. To have one of our own win 'the biggest title in sports' (as the heavyweight ttle was back them - yes it was 'only' the WBA title, but I didn't care) is amazing. He was a national hero. He will always be one, and be my hero.

I have a bust of Gerrie's huge fist, and underneath, he personally wrote 'Aan (to) Neal, van (from) Gerrie Coetzee, signed 4/6/2012.
It's gold, and incredibly detailed. You can even see the hair follicles. Amazing.

It's a big 'ol fist. Make my normal-sized hand look like a child's by comparison. That, along with a fight poster of him vs Mike Weaver and signed boxing gloves from Vic Toweel, remain along my very fondest possessions.
I also spoke via email to his wife Rina, who was a lovely lady.

Anyway, it's a been a pleasure and honour to watch this man in his prime, fighting among the very best in the world. Than you Gerrie, for everything.
Click to expand...

I’m truly sorry my friend.

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R.I.P Gerrie Coetzee

Saintpat Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member

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R.I.P Gerrie Coetzee

Saintpat Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

JohnThomas1 VIP Member

mr. magoo VIP Member Full Member