Former heavyweight boxer Ron Stander, nicknamed "Bluffs Butcher", has passed away at the age of 77.
Toddy Stander, the wife of Stander, announced Tuesday that her husband had died from complications due to diabetes at their Omaha home.
Joe Frazier beat Ron Stander in 1972
His 1972 fight against Joe Frazier was the highlight of his boxing career. He lost it in just four rounds.
Bluffs Butcher was given the nickname Bluffs Stander because of his brawling and aggressive boxing style.
It was also a nod towards his Iowa hometown of Council Bluffs.
He retired as a fighter in 1982 after a record of 38-21-3. He also boxed for 13 years.
He shared the ring during that time with Ken Norton and Earnie Shavers.
He is best remembered for his defeat of heavyweight legend Frazier who was a rival to Muhammad Ali.
Stander nearly pulled off an upset when he buckled Frazier's knees round one. It almost looked like he was going to score a knockout.
He would eventually tire and Stander was bleeding from a severe cut by round four.
The referee was forced to stop the action and declare Frazier the winner.
Stander, who had previously been a boxer, worked for 13 years as a machine operator at Vickers Inc., an Omaha-based maker of hydraulic equipment.
He made $20 an hour (PS15), which allowed him to buy his house and cars.
Stander owned a bar and drove a concrete truck. He also worked as a referee in his later years of fighting.
He was a beloved boxer and had many friends visit him during his time in hospice.
According to his wife, the Omaha World Herald reported that he couldn't tell you how many boxers had come to their home.
"They would hold his hand, kiss him on the forehead, and tell him that they loved him. You are my hero."
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