Overview
Curtis Cokes (June 15, 1937 – May 29, 2020) was an American professional boxer known for winning the world welterweight title and for his long association with the sport. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Cokes rose to prominence during the era when the welterweight division was one of boxing's deepest and most competitive weight classes. He is remembered both for his achievements inside the ring and for the recognition he received later in life, including induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003.
Career highlights and characteristics
Cokes competed as a professional in the welterweight division (the class typically populated by fighters weighing up to 147 pounds). During his career he won the world title and defended it against a series of challengers, earning a reputation as a determined and technically skilled fighter. While comprehensive fight-by-fight records are available in specialized boxing references, Cokes's standing as a world champion places him among the notable boxers of his generation.
Context: the welterweight division
The welterweight category has historically been a showcase for a mix of speed, power and endurance. Champions in this division have often enjoyed high public profiles and faced a deep pool of contenders. Cokes's achievement in capturing the world title situates him within this long tradition of competitive, closely watched championship contests.
Legacy and recognition
Recognition of Cokes's contributions to the sport culminated in his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003, an honor that highlights both career accomplishments and lasting influence. He is also remembered locally in Dallas and in broader boxing communities for his role during a vibrant period in the sport's history. Retired champions like Cokes are often cited as examples when discussing the depth and international appeal of welterweight boxing.
Key facts and later life
- Full name: Curtis Cokes
- Born: June 15, 1937, in Dallas, Texas
- Major title: World Welterweight Champion
- Honors: Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (2003)
- Died: May 29, 2020, in Dallas of heart failure
For additional context on boxing careers and historical records, consult general boxing resources and hall of fame archives. Short biographical entries and fight records provide detailed timelines for those researching specific bouts or the sequence of title changes in the welterweight division. General introductions to the sport, its divisions, and its champions can be found through broader boxing overviews and athlete profiles on sports reference sites and curated archives. See also general information about the profession of a boxer.