FORMER heavyweight boxer Ron Stander – nicknamed ‘Bluffs Butcher’ – has died aged 77.
Stander’s wife Toddy revealed her husband died on Tuesday from complications of diabetes at their home in Omaha.
Joe Frazier beat Ron Stander in 1972
The highlight of his boxing career was a 1972 world title fight against Joe Frazier, which he lost in four rounds.
Stander earned the nickname Bluffs Butcher due to his aggressive, and brawling boxing style.
But it was also a nod to his hometown of Council Bluffs, Iowa.
The fighter retired in 1982 with a record of 38-21-3 and boxed over 13 years.
During that period, he shared the ring with the like of Earnie Shavers and Ken Norton.
But he is most well remembered for his defeat to heavyweight legend Frazier, who enjoyed an iconic rivalry with Muhammad Ali.
And Stander almost pulled off an almighty upset as he buckled Frazier’s knees in round one and almost looked like scoring a knockout.
But he would tire as the fight progressed and by the end of round four, Stander was bloodied from a nasty cut.
It left the referee with no choice but to stop the action with Frazier declared the winner.
After boxing, for 13 years Stander worked as a machine operator at Vickers Inc, an Omaha-based manufacturer of hydraulic equipment.
He earned $20 (£15) an hour and the money allowed him to pay off his house and cars.
Stander also owned a bar, drove a concrete truck and worked as a referee, in his years after fighting.
He remained a popular boxing figure and had several friends visit him while in hospice.
His wife told the Omaha World Herald: “I can’t begin to tell you how many boxers came to the house.
“They’d hold his hand and kiss him on the forehead and tell him they loved him: I love you, champ. You’re my hero.”
Ron Stander retired with a boxing record of 38-21-3
