Noted Trainer, Ex-World Welterweight Champion Curtis Cokes, Dies in Dallas at 82

Noted Trainer, Ex-World Welterweight Champion Curtis Cokes, Dies in Dallas at 82

By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent

Dallas, TX (June 2nd, 2020)– Former World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council World Welterweight champion Curtis Cokes, who fought in 80 professional bouts between 1958 and 1972, has died in his native Dallas, Texas, at age 82.




 

Cokes posted a professional record of 62 wins, 14 losses, and four draws, with 30 knockouts. Cokes won the vacant WBA World Welterweight title by winning a 15 rounds decision over Manuel Gonzalez in August 1966, then added the WBC title by winning a 15 rounds decision over Jean Josselin in Dallas in November 1966. Cokes would fight in eight consecutive world welterweight title bouts. Two losses to Jose ‘La Mantequilla’ Napoles ended his championship bout run. Cokes retired in 1972 after winning decisions over Joseph Hall and Ezra Myinyane.




 

A member of both the International and World Boxing Halls of Fame, in later years, Cokes worked as a trainer for such notables as top ten heavyweight contenders Ike Ibeabuchi and Kirk Johnson, and WBC World Middleweight champion Quincy Taylor of Dallas.

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Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent

Robert Brizel - Head Boxing Correspondent

Robert is the Head Boxing Correspondent for Real Combat Media Boxing since 2013. Robert is also a photographer and ringside reporter for the RCM Tri State region which includes NJ, NY and PA. Robert conducts exclusive interviews, provides historical boxing articles and provides editorial ringside coverage of major boxing events. You can contact or follow Robert on Facebook and by email at [email protected].