In the world of boxing, some fights are remembered for their sheer brutality and display of power. One such fight took place in 1976 between the legendary George Foreman and the underrated Scott LeDoux. Foreman, who was making a comeback after a devastating loss to Muhammad Ali, was at the peak of his career. On the other hand, LeDoux, known as “The Fighting Frenchman,” was a tough and game challenger who had never been off his feet in a fight before. The fight was expected to be a display of Foreman’s immense punching power and LeDoux’s resilience.
The fight started with both boxers showcasing their skills in the ring. LeDoux, six pounds lighter than Foreman, boxed well and managed to evade some of Foreman’s powerful punches. However, Foreman, under the guidance of trainer Gil Clancy, displayed patience and control in his approach. The real action began in the third round when Foreman unleashed a barrage of punches on LeDoux, hitting him with both hands. Despite taking heavy blows, LeDoux refused to go down and even taunted Foreman at one point. However, the inevitable happened towards the end of the round when Foreman landed a devastating right uppercut that sent LeDoux crashing to the canvas.
After the fight, Foreman expressed his desire to fight for the world title, claiming that Ali had been avoiding him for years. Foreman went on to have two more wins before suffering a shocking loss to Jimmy Young. Despite his efforts, Foreman never got the opportunity to have a rematch with Ali. On the other hand, LeDoux continued to fight some of the best in the heavyweight division, including Leon Spinks, Ken Norton, Larry Holmes, and Mike Weaver. Although he never won a world title, LeDoux’s toughness and determination were respected by all who faced him.
Sadly, LeDoux passed away in 2011 after battling ALS, leaving behind a legacy of courage and bravery in the ring. His final record of 33-13-4(22) is a testament to his willingness to take on the toughest opponents and never back down. LeDoux may not have achieved the same level of fame as Foreman or Ali, but his contributions to the sport of boxing are undeniable. He will always be remembered as a true warrior who took on the best and gave it his all.
The fight between George Foreman and Scott LeDoux may have been overshadowed by other events in boxing history, but it remains a testament to the bravery and skill of both fighters. While Foreman’s power ultimately prevailed, LeDoux’s heart and determination won him the respect of fans and fellow boxers alike. The legacy of Scott LeDoux lives on as a reminder of what it means to be a true fighter in and out of the ring.