Curtis Cokes vs. Don Cobbs

Curtis Cokes 154 lbs beat Don Cobbs 151 lbs by KO at 2:52 in round 1 of 10

• Date: 1969-02-10
• Location: Arena Exposition Hall, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA

"Don Cobbs, 151, St. Louis, opposed welterweight champion Curtis Cokes, 154, Dallas, in a non-title 10-rounder and hoped to make a good showing and earn a title shot. But he made a mistake against one of the most dangerous punchers in the ring today, and you don't make mistakes against Cokes. Both fighters started well, trading jabs during the first 2 1/2 minutes, until Cobbs went in on Cokes. He moved forward, let go a series of blows, landing a good left to the body, then ducked right into a short, chopping right that landed on the side of the jaw. Don dropped flat on his back and attempted to get up at the count of seven, but there was too much rubber in his legs and he fell back, to be counted out by referee Jim Reddick at 2:52 of the 1st round." -Boxing Illustrated, May 1969 issue

• This card was a benefit to raise money for St. Louis' former welterweight champion Virgil Akins
• Attendance - 4,000 (app.)
• Gate - $20,000

Post-fight comments

• "I was hoping to get in five or six rounds, but I'll take a 1st round knockout any day." -Curtis Cokes
• "I never saw the punch. I thought I hurt him with a left to the body and was trying to follow up, but he sure punches fast. Guess that's why he's champ." -Don Cobbs