Leon Spinks vs. Scott LeDoux

[Bill Paxtom]

October 22, 1977

Aladdin Theatre ~ Las Vegas, Nevada

CBS Sports Spectacular

Billed As;

The young 'St. Louis Jaguar' versus the 'Minnesota Farm Boy'.

Leon Spinks
Age........ 24 years, 3 months
Height.... 6' 1"
Reach..... 76"
Weight... 194 lbs.
Record.... 5-0-0 {5 KO's}

Scott LeDoux
Age....... 28 years, 9 months
Height... 6' 1 1/2"
Reach.... 76 1/2""
Weight... 224 lbs.
Record... 21-6-1 {13 KO's}

Young Leon, has only had '5' Professional Bouts, and with only '11' Rounds of Ring
experience in his short 10-Month career. This will be his '1st' 10-Rounder.

Leon last fought 4+ months earlier {June 1, 1977}, but he as been steadily
training for a bout like this by working out with Roy 'Tiger' Williams.

Scott LeDoux, a tough slugging veteran is coming off a brutal loss {L TKO 8} to
Duane Bobick only 3-months earlier {July 28, 1977}.

Scott has the experience and size {+30 lbs.} over Leon.

But, Scott has only gone 3-5-1 {2 KO's} in his last 9-Bouts dating back to April 1976.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Skinny >

Originally, Leon and Scott LeDoux signed contracts on October 3rd for the October 22nd
bout. But, Scott got the 'flu', and was going to pull out on October 14th {8-Days before the bout}.

A substitute was called in, and 22 1/2 year-old New York-based Heavyweight - Kevin Isaac
was available.

Kevin, who despite having a 'spotty' record of 11-5-1 {5 KO's}, was a 'nifty' and fast-handed
195 lb. boxer who was as 'tough-as-nails'.

But a few days later, Scott recovered and wanted the bout.

Other fighters who were mentioned after Scott LeDoux 'initially' pulled out were >
* Bill Sharkey
* Pedro Soto
* Greg Sorrentino
* Alfredo Evangelista
* Dale 'Ibar' Arrington
* Walter E. Moore
* Johnny Boudreaux
* Joe Gholston

[Bill Paxtom]

Scorecards

Referee - Carlos Padilla
Judge - Art Lurie ............. 46-46 'Even'
Judge - Bill Kipp .............. 46-45 {Scott LeDoux}
Judge - Lou Tabat ........... 47-45 {Leon Spinks}

The Associated Press ....... 46-46 'Draw'

[Bill Paxtom]

Neech

Yes, I thought Scott LeDoux won that fight as well.

If I remember correctly, Leon came out fast and raked Scott with some real
good right-hands to the head during the first 2-Rounds.

Leon also added in some quick 'left-right' combinations as he out-sped Scott.

But by Round 3, Scott was smothering Leon and had backed him up to the
Ropes and worked Leon's mid-section with left-hands.

Leon was forced to fight off the Ropes, and was limited to occasional quick
3-Punch flurries, while Scott slammed away at Leon's mid-section and
upper-body.

Leon looked a bit weary by Round 6, as he was getting mauled by Scott
who had a 30 lb. weight advantage.

At the end of Round 8, Scott had the 'clear' edge {4-2-2 in Rounds}.

Scott had a solid early Round 9, but Leon caught his second-wind and rallied
with some good flurries late to edge the Round.

Round 10 was a spirited Round, but neither fighter had the clear advantage. It
was real close.

I had it 4-3-3 {97-96} for Scott LeDoux.

After the 'Draw' was announced, both fighters thought that each had won.

Leon Spinks >
"Scott never hurt me. He's strong, but I never felt any of his power. I thought
that I won, but I always accept the Judges decision. A 'Draw' is fair for the both
of us."

Scott LeDoux >
"I told Leon that he is a good fighter, but he's not a 10-Round fighter yet.
And he's too small for the Heavyweights."

"Of course I thought that I won. I did all the work from Rounds 3 thru 8. It's
another one of those Decision's that doesn't go my way. Some guys get the
breaks and the big fights, and guys like me get to go home and go back to
their regular jobs. That's just the way it is."

[Bill Paxtom]

According to Scott LeDoux,

Scott fought Leon Spinks to a 10-Round Draw on October 22, 1977.

A few weeks later, Scott fought an exhibition with Champion - Muhammad Ali.

Scott LeDoux >
'In my opinion, they both 'stink'. Leon is not ready for 10-Rounders, and he's
too small.'

'On Ali. He's got nothing left. He's an over-stuffed doughboy. Duane Bobick
would destroy him if they fought. And Duane is only a slightly above-average
fighter. Ali is easy-pickings and will lose the next time he fights somebody
decent.'

[Hulk]

I liked Scott Ledieux as an ESPN commentator. He was a tough guy and a man's man.

Terrible how he passed away of cancer in recent years.

[ruthless rocco]

CONGRATULATIONS @Bill Paxtom !!! It took you 4 post on this thread until you mentioned Ali. I think that's your personal best. With enough hard work and dedication you may one day be able to create a post that's 100% about someone other than Ali.

[Bill Paxtom]

General Fact,

Leon Spinks wasn't really a World Class Heavyweight, as of yet.

Leon got 'a gift' when he was awarded a Draw with Scott Ledoux.

This is the same Scott LeDoux, who only had 19-Days to prepare for this
bout, while still maintaining his Sales Rep job in Minneapolis. As well as
coming off of a 'flu'.

The same Scott LeDoux, who was 'destroyed' by Duane Bobick only 4-Months
earlier.

4-Months later, Leon {with 7-Pro bouts under his belt} literally beats the
S*** out of some guy called 'The Greatest'.

That's The Facts Man.........October 25, 2014.

[brocktonblockbust]

General Fact,

Leon Spinks wasn't really a World Class Heavyweight, as of yet.

Leon got 'a gift' when he was awarded a Draw with Scott Ledoux.

This is the same Scott LeDoux, who only had 19-Days to prepare for this
bout, while still maintaining his Sales Rep job in Minneapolis. As well as
coming off of a 'flu'.

The same Scott LeDoux, who was 'destroyed' by Duane Bobick only 4-Months
earlier.

4-Months later, Leon {with 7-Pro bouts under his belt} literally beats the
S*** out of some guy called 'The Greatest'.

That's The Facts Man.........October 25, 2014.

Bill Paxtom has a nostalgic way of reminiscing about fights and times gone by. He is an interesting writer with good creativity and his style is evolving nicely on this forum.

[Bill Paxtom]

Mr. Brockton Blockbuster

Your compliments are much appreciated.

And, Boston does have the best 'Sausage and Peppers'..........

I'm from Connecticut.

[brocktonblockbust]

Mr. Brockton Blockbuster

Your compliments are much appreciated.

And, Boston does have the best 'Sausage and Peppers'..........

I'm from Connecticut.

I was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut. greetings, brother! p.s. never had Boston s & pepp, only New Jersey s & pepp.

[Bill Paxtom]

Mr. Brockton

Bridgeport, Connecticut

Some great Italian Deli's and Restaurant's. .............