Assault case against ex-boxer goes forward

With anger still in her eyes and the marks on her face still visible, Sandra Cummings told a judge how she was attacked in a jealous rage by former heavyweight boxing champion Michael Dokes.

She testified during Dokes' preliminary hearing Thursday that her path of escape was blocked by security gates she had locked behind her when she returned after a Janet Jackson concert Aug. 30 to the home they shared.

Cummings recalled how Dokes leaped off the couch when she entered the living room and barked, "Where you been?" She never had a chance to respond before he began hitting her.

She said she tried to defend herself with a kitchen knife, but he wrestled it from her before she could use it. Defense attorney Marc Risman, however, claimed that Dokes had been cut on the chest.

Cummings recounted being strangled into near unconsciousness and having her nose and cheekbone broken by punches as the ex-boxer accused her of not being faithful.

A few hours later, after he let her leave the house, Cummings reported the incident to police at a hospital where she went for treatment.

Dokes was arrested on felony battery and sexual assault charges. He remains in jail after the judge determined there was sufficient evidence to hold him for trial in District Court.

Pro Tempore Justice of the Peace Torris Brand set an Oct. 8 arraignment date for Dokes in District Judge John McGroarty's courtroom.

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