Thread: Scott LeDoux vs. Pedro Soto ~ 'Main Event at Madison Square Garden'

Wednesday ~ March 22, 1977

Madison Square Garden ~ New York, New York

"Main Event" ~ Billed as the American Boxing Championship

Scott LeDoux vs. Pedro Soto

The Garden Matchmaker {Teddy Brenner} signed these two fighters to a contract
on February 27, 1977.

Scott LeDoux, the gritty 'Fighting Frenchman' from Minneapolis was brought in
to be a 'stern' test for Pedro Soto.

Pedro Soto was a New-York based Puerto Rican fighter, who was a popular
fighter at Madison Square Garden, as he had a strong contingent of supporters.

Pedro {Age; 22 years, 3 months} was a 'fast-handed' 180 lb. boxer-puncher
with a record of 16-3-1 {6 KO's}, and was ranked as the #7 Light-Heavyweight.

Pedro had been campaigning as a 180 lb. fighter since he turned Professional in
September 1973. But, under the direction of Manager/Trainer - Gil Clancy, they
felt that Pedro's speed would be more beneficial in the Heavyweight Division.

As for Scott LeDoux, the veteran {Age; 28 years, 2 months} was coming in with
a record of 19-5-1 {12 KO's}.

Scott had gone 1-4-0 in his last 5-Bouts since April 1976, and was coming off the
'absurdly scored' 8-Round Decision loss to Johnny Boudreaux on ABC-TV
{February 13, 1977} in the ill-fated Don King - United States Boxing Tournament.

But despite that, Scott was still considered a quality Heavyweight worthy of a
Top 20 ranking.

Wednesday ~ March 22, 1977

Madison Square Garden ~ New York, New York

Attendance......... 6260
Gate Receipts..... $51,534

Scott LeDoux
Age......... 28 years, 2 months
Height...... 6' 1 1/2"
Reach...... 76 1/2"
Weight..... 222 lbs.
Record..... 19-5-1 {12 KO's}
Rank....... #19 Heavyweight

Pedro Soto
Age......... 22 years, 3 months
Height..... 6' 0"
Reach...... 75"
Weight..... 204 lbs.
Record..... 15-3-1 {6 KO's}
Rank........ #7 Light-Heavyweight

Under the direction of Manger/Trainer - Gil Clancy, Pedro Soto put on +20 lbs.
to compete in the Heavyweight Division.

"The Fight"

Pedro Soto got off to a 'lightning' fast start, and scored at will on the ever forward
moving Scott LeDoux.

Pedro scored with an assortment of sharp left-jabs, and lead right-crosses into
Scott's head.

Scott pressed the fight, but he was too slow and no match in hand-speed department
with the lightning-quick Puerto Rican.

In Round 5, Pedro had landed several 'thudding' right-crosses on Scott's head. Though
Scott was tagged repeatedly, he continued to slowly trudge forward and into Pedro.

Thru 5-Rounds, Pedro was pitching a shut-out.

Scott finally managed to score some in Round 6, as he was able to get inside and smother
the smaller Pedro Soto with 'mauling tactics'. But Pedro still landed some crisp-punches
and snapped Scott's head 'twice' with right-hand leads.

In Round 7, Pedro got off to quick start by again scoring with some crisp punches. But by
mid-way thru the session he was starting to wear down and looked to be tiring. Scott was
effective with his late-Round mauling.

In Round 8, Scott continued with his 'slow-and-dull' mauling, as he was starting to catch
Pedro with short clubbing punches to the shoulders and arms. But Pedro was still able to
mount a 'minor' attack mid-way thru the session when he caught Scott with a flurry of
punches to the head.

Coming out for Round 9, it was obvious to all, that Scott LeDoux needed to
pull some Magic out of his 'Minnesota Hat'.

All the Scorecards had him behind.

Round 9 >

Scott came out 'plodding', but went right after Pedro who looked tired. Scott
immediately started slamming in punches to the mid-section of Pedro who
backed off.

Then Pedro made a move forward, but Scott countered. At the {1:00 Mark},
Scott landed a crisp 'left-right' to Pedro's head.

Suddenly Pedro was 'staggered', and he floundered backwards to the Ropes.

Scott knowing that 'this was his chance', moved in a fired away with clubbing
punches as Pedro teetered on shaky legs.

But Pedro was able to stay upright, and kept his hands up high to prevent
another hard punch from getting through. Pedro made it out of Round 9,
but his face was a 'crimson mess' from a bloody nose.
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Between Rounds >

Gil Clancy worked on his stunned fighter, and was able to revive Pedro
before the start of the Final Round.

Gil Clancy >
"Pedro, just jab and grab him. You're winning the fight. You don't have to
win the last Round. We're ahead by 2-Points. Just stay away from him and
don't trade punches. He'll be desperate when he comes out. Just stay away
from him."

In Scott's corner, Joe Daskiewicz told his fighter >
"Finish him Scott. You have to knock him out to win. He's tired and ready
to go. Get in there and put him away."
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'Round 10'

Scott came out with the intent of putting Pedro Soto down.

But Pedro used his legs, and despite being tired, he was able to 'stab-and-jab'
Scott as he plodded forward looking to drop in a big punch.

Scott did wing, but his wide hooks either missed Pedro, or glanced off his
shoulders.

Scott did manage to get though with a few solid punches, but Pedro took
them and held on.

The Scoring was announced as a 'Split-Decision'.

Referee - Johnny LoBianco ...... 6-4-0 {Scott LeDoux}
Judge - Artie Aidala ................. 7-3-0 {Pedro Soto}
Judge - Sam Iram ................... 5-4-1 {Scott LeDoux}

Madison Square Garden 'erupted' with boo's protesting the Decision.

The Associated Press scored it {6-4-0} for Pedro Soto, stating that Pedro
did all the scoring thru the first 6-Rounds, and Scott did little except
walk forward and catch punches in the face.

The smaller man tired at the end of Round 7, and Scott came on with
his usual late mauling-and-brawling rally, and swept the last 4-Rounds.