COON RAPIDS — Former world heavyweight boxing contender Scott LeDoux (lah-DOO’) has died at age 62 after battling Lou Gehring’s disease.

His longtime friend and attorney Bob Dolan told The Associated Press Friday LeDoux died Thursday at his Coon Rapids home after a nearly three-year battle with the disease.

LeDoux was nicknamed the “Fighting Frenchman” and faced some of the greatest boxers of all time during his 10 years of professional boxing. He stepped into the ring with Muhammad Ali, George Foreman and Leon Spinks. The two-time Upper Midwest Golden Gloves champion twice fought for the world heavyweight title.

LeDoux served on the Anoka County Board from 2004 until 2010 when the disease caused him to step down. His wife, Carol, ran for his open seat in November and won.