Career
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.
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.