The nationally televised contest was held amidst a demonstration outside the venue, with protesters voicing their opposition to the South African Coetzee.

Coetzee's life and career unfolded in the era of apartheid in South Africa, and he was part of a generation of heavyweights that is often overlooked

He captured the vacant WBA heavyweight championship in 1979, succeeding Muhammad Ali following his first retirement.

In the 1980s there were 15 men who held claim to at least a portion of the heavyweight championship between January 1, 1980 and December 31, 1989.

Leading the chorus from the US was a sorrowful Khalilah Ali, wife of 'The Greatest', the late Muhammad Ali. Last January, Khalilah Ali visited Coetzee

South African boxing icon Gerrie Coetzee, the country’s first ever world heavyweight champion, has reportedly died at the age of 67.