Farewell Mike Schutte
Another old South African icon has passed away.
Former SA heavyweight champion Mike Schutte, one of the most unforgettable characters in SA boxing and wrestling, has died at the age of 57. He had been ill with cancer for some time.
Schutte made his professional debut in May 1971 when he stopped Doug de Wet and remained undefeated in his next 13 fights. He subsequently lost on a disqualification to Johnny Britz.
Known for having the shortest reach of any SA Heavyweight boxer, he not only dominated the SA boxing scene but also a number of international contenders.
Among those he beat were Roy “Cookie” Wallace, Joe “King ‘Roman, twice, Bill Carson, Obie English, Pat Duncan, Tommy Kost, Terry Hinke, Rodney Bobick and Chuck Wepner.
His biggest and most memorable fights were from 1972 - 1975 against Jimmy Richards.
One of his other memorable fights was the 1977 bout against up-comer Gerrie Coetzee which has often been termed ‘the dirtiest fight ever seen’. He lost due to disqualification in the 6th round.
Another amazing match was his bout with Kallie Knoetze in 1977 where he was KO’ed in the second round.
Following his bout with Neil Malpass from England, he announced his retirement on June 18, 1979.
Mike went on to become a professional wrestler where he provided people hours of entertainment - particularly when he put up his fists and teased his opponent.
Mike was also well known in the music industry as an entertainer.
To the Schutte family and friends, Blog South Africa wishes to express our sincere condolences and thoughts in this sad time.
Thanks Mike for all the entertainment you gave us over the years. We will not forget you!
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July 14th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Shame, ek is ook baie jammer om te hoor van die man se dood. Ek het hom nie werklik geken as bokser en musikant nie. Die grappies het natuurlik baie wyd gedraai met hom. Ek hoop hy het dit goed hanteer. Mens was gemaklik om grappe te vertel van iemand wat mens nie eens ken nie. Wel, ek was ook seker skuldig aan dit en nou wonder ek oor dit.