Scott LeDoux, who battled future Hall of Fame heavyweights Ken Norton and Larry Holmes in the late 70s and early 80s, passed away Thursday (August 11) at 62 following a long struggle with Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Nicknamed “The Fighting Frenchman,” LeDoux competed from 1974-1983. Although he never became an elite fighter or scored a signature win, his toughness made him sought after as a litmus test for upcoming fighters. Included in LeDoux’s list of name opponents are Leon Spinks, Duane Bobick, George Foreman, Mike Weaver, Greg Page, Gerrie Coetzee, Ron Lyle and Frank Bruno.
One of LeDoux’s most well-known fights was a 1979 slugfest in his home state of Minnesota against Ken Norton. LeDoux would come back from an early deficit to badly hurt Norton in the eighth and ninth rounds before scoring a knockdown in the 10th. Despite the late surge, Norton escaped with an unpopular draw. LeDoux’s showing would earn him a title shot against Larry Holmes.
In retirement, LeDoux worked as a boxing commentator for ESPN, head of the Minnesota Boxing Commission, and a board member in Anoka County.
LeDoux was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease, medically known as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), in 2008.
At press time, funeral arrangements have not been announced.
LEDOUX VS. NORTON
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 