Beyond the Gloves: The Journey of Kallie Knoetze

Early Life and Amateur Boxing

Before turning professional, Knoetze had a notable amateur career, engaging in six bouts against fellow South African and future WBA heavyweight champion Gerrie Coetzee, with each boxer securing three victories.

Kallie Knoetze’s professional boxing career, spanning from 1976 to 1981, was marked by a series of notable victories and a few significant defeats. He concluded his career with a record of 21 wins (20 by knockout) and 6 losses.​

Knoetze and Gerrie Coetzee were both South African Heavyweight Title contenders in the late 70s and early 80s, and they only fought once in the pros, but they did fight six times in the amateurs with each winning three fights.

Gerrie Coetzee vs Kallie Knoetze 1976

Early Career and Rise

Knoetze began his professional journey on February 28, 1976, with a knockout victory over Jeffrey Ellis. He quickly established himself as a formidable puncher, securing six consecutive knockout wins. However, his momentum was briefly halted with a disqualification loss to Reinaldo Raul Gorosito and a points defeat to fellow South African Gerrie Coetzee.​

Undeterred, Knoetze embarked on an impressive 11-fight winning streak from late 1976 to 1979. This run included a points victory over Gorosito, avenging his earlier loss, and notable knockouts against British boxer Richard Dunn and American Olympian Duane Bobick.​

Notable Victories

Victory over Mike Schutte (August 13, 1977): Knoetze claimed the vacant South African (White) heavyweight title by defeating Mike Schutte via a second-round knockout at the Wembley Ice Rink in Johannesburg. ​

Victory over Duane Bobick (February 4, 1978): In a significant upset, Knoetze knocked out the fifth-ranked American heavyweight Duane Bobick in the third round at Rand Stadium in Johannesburg. Bobick entered the bout with a 40-1 record and was favored to win, but Knoetze’s relentless pressure and powerful punches led to a decisive victory. ​

Duane Bobick vs Kallie Knoetze

Title Eliminator and Subsequent Fights

Loss to John Tate (June 2, 1979): Knoetze faced American heavyweight John Tate in a WBA title eliminator at Independence Stadium in Mmabatho, South Africa. Despite a strong start, Knoetze was stopped in the eighth round due to exhaustion and facial injuries. This defeat ended his aspirations for a world title shot. ​Knoetze had a croed pleasing rally in the third rouns, but Tate won every other round.

Following the loss to Tate, Knoetze continued to compete but experienced mixed results. He secured victories against opponents like Bill Sharkey and Randy Stephens but also suffered defeats to Mike Koranicki and Jimmy Abbott. His final professional bout was a loss to Robbie Williams on July 21, 1981. ​

Transition to Acting

After retiring from boxing, Knoetze pursued acting, appearing in several films between 1979 and 1991. His most prominent role was as Rosco Dunn, a former corrupt boxer turned military sergeant, in the 1982 film “Bomber,” starring Bud Spencer.

Legacy

Kallie Knoetze remains a significant figure in South African boxing history, remembered for his explosive power and contributions to the sport during a competitive era. His transition from the boxing ring to the silver screen showcases his versatility and enduring appeal.​