Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Sporting ExcitementSporting Excitement

Boxing

Ron Stander dead at 77: Tributes paid to heavyweight boxer – nicknamed ‘Bluffs Butcher’ – who fought Joe Frazier

, Ron Stander dead at 77: Tributes paid to heavyweight boxer – nicknamed ‘Bluffs Butcher’ – who fought Joe Frazier

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.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

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.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

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

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest

Premier League

Gary Neville's Opinion Manchester United legend Gary Neville has urged his former club to stick with Erik ten Hag this summer as he is...

Premier League

Chelsea Fans Concerned Chelsea fans are growing increasingly frustrated as the club's injury list continues to expand. The team is currently facing a crisis...

Premier League

Larry Lloyd's Football Career Former England and Nottingham Forest star Larry Lloyd has passed away at the age of 75. The legendary defender played...

Premier League

Bayern Munich Pursuit Fails Fulham's Joao Palhinha recently shared that a surprising transfer offer from West Ham came before his potential move to Bayern...

Premier League

Double the Points, Double the Fun All 20 Premier League clubs are gearing up to play twice in Gameweek 29, promising a flurry of...

Premier League

Struggles with Injuries Gabriel Jesus has faced a tough season, missing 16 games due to knee and hamstring problems. His last Premier League start...

Advertisement
Advertisement

Facebook

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement