Johnny du Plooy | |
---|---|
Statistics | |
Real name | Johnny du Plooy |
Rated at | Heavyweight |
Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
Nationality | South African |
Born |
Gauteng, South Africa |
27 September 1964
Died | 12 April 2013 | (aged 48)
Boxing record | |
Total fights | 33 |
Wins | 27 |
Wins by KO | 22 |
Losses | 5 |
Draws | 1 |
Johnny du Plooy (27 September 1964 – 12 April 2013) was a former South African heavyweight boxer best known for his win over former WBA World Heavyweight champion Mike Weaver.
The tall 6'3 South African boxer began his career in 1985 with 17 straight wins. He was then lostto ex-champ Mike Weaver by 7th round KO. He later avenged this defeat by knocking out Mike Weaver in two rounds and in 1989 challenged Francesco Damiani for the vacant WBO heavyweight title. Du Plooy was knocked out in the third round in the World Boxing Organization's inaugural heavyweight world title bout. After this, he fought 15 more fights, compiling an overall record of 27 wins, 5 losses, and 1 draw. All of du Plooy's losses were stoppages to known opponents such as Renaldo Snipes, Francesco Damiani, Pierre Coetzer, and Corrie Sanders. Du Plooy retired in 1993 after a win, and scored another comeback win in 1997 but promptly retired.
Du Plooy became grossly overweight after his retirement. He suffered from heart problems in the few years leading up to his death. Several months before his death, he had a heart attack.