The Fighting Frenchman: Minnesota's Boxing Legend Scott LeDoux

Description

The only man to step into the ring with eleven heavyweight champions, Scott LeDoux also fought through two of boxing's greatest scandals, recurring illness, and childhood trauma that haunted him for decades. From the mining community of Crosby, Minnesota to the stage of Madison Square Garden, award-winning journalist Paul Levy gives us a real sense of what it was like to spar with Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali.

Paul Levy was a writer for the Minneapolis Star Tribune for thirty-five years. He has written for the New York Times, ABC News, the Boston Globe, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, and Mother Jones.

"Scott's story is fascinating. He was a complex man, a boy damaged early in his life who grew into a man who excelled in a violent sport but had a heart filled with generosity and tenderness."-Glenn "Chico" Resch, retired National Hockey League goalie "Scott was a funny guy who fought courageous battles in and out of the ring with heart and determination. We shared many laughs and shed a lot of tears through the years."-Bob Goodman, boxing matchmaker, promoter, and member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame "What a story! Scott had a tough life, but he was such a happy-go-lucky guy. He was a generous guy, like a big daddy who loved to guide kids. With Scott LeDoux, what you saw is what you got. When he opened his mouth, people listened and laughed."-Frank Quilici, former Minnesota Twins player and manager "Scott was larger-than-life whenever he entered a room. His quick wit, his endearing charm, and his smile always captured the attention of those who had just met him or knew him a little or a lot. But don't be mistaken, he also had a very serious side, and he wanted to be known for his abilities outside of the ring-he wanted to be more than a guy who could take a punch. This book gives insight to his humor, his suffering, his compassion, and his passion. ALS took him far too soon, and Minnesota lost one of the most charitable celebrities the world has known. His story deserves to be told."-Karla Blomberg, president of Wishes & More, former president of Make-A-Wish International "Nobody ever gave 100 percent like Scott did. You can argue about his technique, but not his heart and effort. Of course, after every fight he lost, he'd say, 'He never touched me,' or that it was a lucky punch."-Bob Lurtsema, Minnesota Vikings legend "What a warrior!"-George Foreman, two-time heavyweight champion "Paul Levy's new book ... gives readers a glimpse into an era of boxing that has all but vanished."-Rochester Post-Bulletin "Boxing fans, sports fans in general and even those just interested in Minnesota history can find interesting reading in The Fighting Frenchman - Minnesota's Boxing Legend Scott LeDoux. "-Ely Echo "Captures the seamy elements of pro boxing as well as transcendent moments. "-Star Tribune