He also lost a close decision to John Tate in the Olympic trials in 1976, after which he turned professional.

Because of Nevada State Athletic Commission instructions to referee Joey Curtis regarding the stoppage of the fight in light of the incident, some felt it was premature.

In 1993, Dokes faced newly crowned heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe in his first title defense since defeating Evander Holyfield.

After a nearly three-year hiatus, Dokes returned to the ring winning three of five matches over a two-year period before retiring for good in 1997.

[2] Dokes died of liver cancer at a hospice in Akron in August 2012, a day after his 54th birthday.