In the 1970s, George Foreman’s reputation as a dominant force in the boxing world was solidified after his devastating KO defeat at the hands of Muhammad Ali. On this day in 1976, Foreman showcased his incredible power against a tough opponent, Scott LeDoux. Trained by Gil Clancy, Foreman had learned to pace himself in the ring, and this strategy was evident in his fight against LeDoux.
While LeDoux was known as “The Fighting Frenchman,” he had never been off his feet in a fight prior to facing Foreman. In the early rounds, LeDoux showed his boxing skills, but Foreman’s patient approach soon led to a brutal display of power. Despite taking heavy hits, LeDoux refused to back down and even taunted Foreman during the fight.
In the third round, Foreman landed a crushing right uppercut that sent LeDoux to the canvas. Despite the underdog’s efforts to get back up, the fight was over. Foreman announced his intention to continue boxing and expressed his desire to fight for the world title, accusing Ali of avoiding a rematch.
Following his victory against LeDoux, Foreman continued his comeback with two more wins but ultimately fell short against Jimmy Young. Despite never getting a second chance at Ali, Foreman’s legacy as a heavyweight champion remains. On the other hand, LeDoux’s career saw him face some of the best in the sport, including Leon Spinks, Ken Norton, Larry Holmes, and Frank Bruno.
Scott LeDoux’s passing in 2011 marked the end of a career defined by resilience and determination. Fighting against heavyweight champions and top contenders, LeDoux’s record of 33-13-4 reflects his willingness to take on the best in the sport. His battles in the ring, including his unforgettable encounter with George Foreman, will always be remembered in the boxing world.