Gerrie Coetzee Death: How did Gerrie Coetzee Die?

Gerrie Coetzee, South Africa’s former WBA heavyweight champion, died on Thursday, 12th of January 2023, at the age of 67.

Lana Coetzee, “The Boksburg Bomber’s” daughter, told South African outlet IOL Sport that her father died from “an aggressive form of cancer” that they only discovered the week before.

Gerrie Coetzee, who began boxing at the age of seven after his father bribed him with 50 cents to try sparring at a local gym, compiled a professional record of 33-6-1 (21 knockouts) from 1974 to 1997.

The 6’4″ fighter rose to prominence during the height of Apartheid and the boycotts that accompanied it, complicating his attempts to break into the international heavyweight scene.

Despite racial tensions at the time, Coetzee was an outspoken critic of segregation policies, telling The Washington Post in 1979 that “people should be treated on merit, not race or colour.”

“I feel like I’m fighting for everyone, black and white,” said Coetzee. “What makes me the happiest is when black, brown, and white people accept me as their fighter.”

A movie on the life and career of Coetzee titled “Against All Odds” had been in production prior to his death, but will now have to be released posthumously. Coetzee leaves behind a wife, Rina, three children and seven grandchildren.