The American Spectator

Former heavyweight boxer turned county commissioner Scott LeDoux died yesterday after a three year battle with ALS (a.k.a. Lou Gehrig’s Disease.) He was 62.

In a professional boxing career which spanned nearly decade, LeDoux (a native of Minnesota but nicknamed “The Flying Frenchman”) fought the likes of Larry Holmes, Ken Norton, George Foreman, Leon Spinks, Ron Lyle, Frank Bruno and even had an exhibition match with Muhammad Ali. While LeDoux usually came out on the short end of these matches he always put up a good fight. He also had a good sense of humor about it as well. LeDoux quipped, “George Foreman hit me so hard my ancestors in France felt it.” LeDoux compiled a record of 33 wins (22 by knockout), 13 losses and 4 draws. After retiring from boxing, LeDoux served as a trouble shooting referee for the now defunct American Wrestling Association (AWA).

In more recent years, LeDoux had become involved in politics. In 2004, LeDoux was elected to the Anoka County Board as an independent. He was re-elected in 2008 but had to step down in May 2010 after ALS had robbed him of his physical strength. His wife Carol would be elected in his place last November. LeDoux also persuaded then Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty to re-establish the state boxing commission after Jesse Ventura had disbanded it. Pawlenty would go on to name LeDoux to head the Minnesota Combative Sports Commission. LeDoux also spent many years raising money for various local charities earning him a reputation as a gentle giant.