CURTIS COKES, FORMER WBC CHAMPION, PASSES AWAY AT AGE 82
Our boxing family has lost a legend – Curtis Cokes. The former WBC Welterweight champion passed away Friday from heart failure in Dallas, Texas, his birthplace and lifetime home. Curtis had an impressive career spanning 1958 to 1972, ending with a record of 62 wins, 14 losses, 4 draws and an impressive 30 KO’s. He was inducted into the prestigious International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003. He considered boxing to be an art, not to be confused with fighting. “It’s an art to hit and not be hit,” said Cokes, a studious boxer with a powerful right hand. Curtis won the WBC title in November of 1966 – and the referee was Dickie Cole. He defended and retained that title for 3 years. After retiring from the ring, Cokes became a trainer at his Home of Champions gym in Dallas. He was a humble, kind, soft spoken gentleman and it was a pleasure to know him.
Rest In Peace, Curtis.