Ex-sheriff wins boxing world title

By KELLY TERPSTRA, Courier sports writer

OTTUMWA — Ron George of Keswick isn’t afraid of old age.

Keeping his body in tip-top shape has a way of quelling any fear that gray hair or aching limbs are taking its toll.

So it’s easy to see why there aren’t many obstacles that will slow George down, especially inside a roped-in boxing ring.

The 63-year-old ex-Keokuk County Sheriff was due for a little rest and relaxation after a recent trip earlier this month to Kansas City.

Destination Minnesota — with fishing gear in hand, still savoring a world boxing title — walleye on high alert.

The calming effect that Minnesota’s 10,000 Lakes can produce — where he’s currently enjoying his semi-retired time — may keep him up north for awhile after his latest conquest.

George won a world title down in Kansas City on Aug. 4-8 at the National Ringside World Championships. Almost 1,400 boxers and 13 different countries are represented at the prestigious event.

The grueling ring experience was just one more chapter in a lifetime of personal bests for George.

“I’m really enjoying life,” said George.

George took home his belt in the Men’s Masters 55-65 age bracket. His opponent — there were two competitors in his weight class of 201-plus — was Jim Erbstoesser of Florence, Texas.

George won by decision in the bout, which consisted of three, three-minute rounds.

“Being a little quicker helped,” said George, who stands 5-8. “He was a lot bigger guy, about 240 pounds and 6-2.”

George won the 1964 Iowa Golden Gloves Championship for the Oskaloosa Boxing Club in the novice division.

Bill Robinson, who founded the Ottumwa Boxing Club in 1973 and himself is a Golden Gloves champ — four times over — said this recent fight would be George’s last.

“I said come on Ron, it’s time to sit back and get old,” said Robinson, who won three Iowa Golden Gloves open titles in 1970, 1971 and 1973.

Robinson said George hadn’t done that much boxing in the last 20 years but wanted to prove he could still get it done inside the ring.

“I wouldn’t even think about doing that at my age,” said Robinson, who is 60 years young.

George, who was Keokuk County Sheriff for 28 years, obviously loves to fish. That’s not all that he does, as he’s an avid weightlifter and has won many competitive titles in that sport, according to Robinson. George also paints.

“I also roof and whatever else my wife tells me to do,” said George, who stated he was runner-up four or five times at the Iowa Golden Gloves tournament.

George’s corner man was Ottumwa High School senior Adam Gates, a member of the Ottumwa Boxing Club. Gates competed at 132 pounds in the 17-35 age bracket, but lost his first match.

As far as that walleye goes, that will be taken care of this Saturday.

“We’re going to eat that fish,” said Robinson, who said George will celebrate with a fish fry this weekend.