The Fighting Frenchman, Big Scott LeDeux
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
Big Scott LeDeux, also known as ‘The Fighting Frenchman’, fought with some of the biggest names in boxing during his heavyweight career from 1974 to 1983. These included Rodney Bobick, Terry Daniels, Ron Stander, Larry Middleton, Pedro Soto and Johnny Boudreaux, Tom Prater, Dino Denis, and Duane Bobick. LeDeux also sparred for Muhammad Ali.
LeDeux had a number of important fights, including Leon Spinks (Draw 10), Ron Lyle (Lost Split Decision 10), George Foreman (TKO by 3), Ken Norton (Draw 10), Mike Weaver (Lost 12), Larry Holmes (TKO by 7 for World Heavyweight title), Greg Page (TKO by 4), Gerrie Coetzee (KO by 8), and Frank Bruno (TKO by 3).
Perhaps LeDeux’s best moment was knocking down Ken Norton twice in the tenth round and receiving a draw against the former world champion. One of the knockdowns is depicted in the photo above.
A native of Andover, Minnesota, LeDeux later became a boxing analyst for ESPN Tuesday Night Fights, and head of the recreated Minnesota Boxing Commission. LeDeux was active in Make-A-Wish Foundation and other charities.
LeDeux suffered from Lou Gehrig’s Disease during the last three years of his life, which has been linked to Dementia Pugilistica. His self-written epitaph reads: Here lies Scott LeDeux, who was a good family man, a good father and a good friend.
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