Former heavyweight boxing contender Scott LeDoux, fighting for his life against ALS, will resign as executive director of the state boxing commission next month. LeDoux also has discussed resigning as an Anoka County commissioner, a County Board member said Tuesday.
The most popular boxer ever in Minnesota, LeDoux, 61, will step down as executive director of the Minnesota Combative Sports Commission, effective May 15, said Bob Dolan and Craig Gallop, close friends of his who are members of the commission. Dolan announced at a commission meeting Monday night that he wanted to put together a committee to choose LeDoux's replacement.
LeDoux is expected to announce his resignation from the Anoka County Board before May 18, in which case his seat would be on the ballot in November. A resignation after May 17 would force a special election, to be held 120 days after the general fall election, according to state mandate.
LeDoux discussed his health situation and options with County Board members more than a week ago, said Chairman Dennis Berg. Commissioners say that if LeDoux resigns before May 18, he would save the county the $50,000 cost of a special election, plus his salary. In return, Berg hopes the board can negotiate for LeDoux to keep benefits, including insurance.
"We have to respect what the taxpayers want, but they expect us to treat Scott fairly," said Berg. "Look at the election totals and they tell you he's probably our most popular commissioner. People love him.
"Can we keep him on his medical benefits?" Berg asked. "It would be a small cost to us."
LeDoux, who lost his title fight to Larry Holmes in 1980, went toe to toe with 11 heavyweight champions, including George Foreman, Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali. His 1976 fight against fellow Minnesotan Duane Bobick drew 14,130 people to Met Center in Bloomington, still a state boxing gate record.
LeDoux could not be reached Tuesday. His wife, Carol, has contemplated running for his seat this fall, Berg said.
