GREG PAGE w ko 8 GERRIE COETZEE
Dec 1, 1984; Superbowl, Sun City, South Africa
AFTER wresting the WBA heavyweight belt from Michael Dokes the previous year in America, Coetzee returned to his native South Africa for his first defence. In the opposite corner was Page, who was coming off two losses in nine months. What ensued was a punishing and ill-tempered tussle, with both men being forced to swallow some thudding blows. Page broke through in round seven by driving Coetzee down to all fours with a clumping right hand. The end came in the next session, when a monstrous left hook felled Coetzee heavily, leading him to be counted out. Controversy arose, however, when it became evident that the round had overran by close to 50 seconds. Nevertheless, the result stood.
DID YOU KNOW? In 2001, at the age of 42, Page was knocked out by the 24-year-old Dale Crowe. Following the fight, Page had to undergo emergency brain surgery. A stroke left him permanently paralysed on his left side and confined to a wheelchair.
WATCH OUT FOR: The stunningly dramatic finish that led to wild scenes of jubilation in the away corner.
