Many people who have driven on the Westside of Indianapolis in the city’s Haughville area may remember seeing Ronald Sanford.
After all, he was hard to miss: A tall, energetic man standing on a street corner and shadow boxing with the dedication of a fighter training for a world title.
Curious drivers would reduce their speed or delay moving from an intersection to watch Sanford practice his moves and occasionally raise his arms in a sign of victory like – well – a champion.
Sanford, known affectionately by many as “The Shadow Boxer” or “Champ” passed away on Sept. 21 of heart failure.He was 58 years old.
“Ronald was a champion in his own right and we will miss him,” said Meghan Edwards, a friend of Sanford’s for 17 years.
Sanford enjoyed shadow boxing near intersections on West 16th Street, 71st and Michigan Road and 86th and Westfield Boulevard.
Sanford was an actual heavyweight boxer who excelled at the sport and was a respected fighter, winning championships in his younger years.
He returned professionally for two notable matches against Nathan Crawford at the Ashanti Ballroom in 2001 and Rick Zufall at the 8 Second Saloon in 2003.
Sanford lost both of those fights, but he never lost the respect of those he met and the people who knew him best.
So, why did Sanford enjoy shadow boxing? Edwards believes it was his way of dealing with the high crime and poverty found in some parts of Haughville.
“He loved boxing, and that was his way of escape,” she said. “That’s why he would run and up down the street all the time. That was his way out and it freed his mind.”
Edwards also recalled Sanford’s contagious sense of humor, which was another way he responded to the challenges of the community and his personal life.
One incident involved Sanford being interviewed by a television station and family gathering to see the newscast. Sanford was somehow included in a segment about mental health patients, and instead of taking offense, the boxer reacted positively.
“He said, ‘It doesn’t make a difference. At least I got those 15 minutes of fame,’” Edwards recalled, laughing.
Nephew Mike Harper will remember Sanford for his decency and once saving two people from drowning in a pool.
“He was a spiritual man, and stayed on me about living right and taking care of my family,” Harper said.
Services for Sanford are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Oct. 5 at Christ Church Apostolic, 6601 Grandview Ave. Ellis Mortuary will handle arrangements.
However, Sanford’s family and friends are requesting assistance from the community he loved for a proper burial.
Earlier this year, Sanford mistakenly cancelled an insurance policy after being given the incorrect impression that Medicare and Social Security would take care of a funeral in the event of his death. He passed away before getting enrolled in another policy.
Therefore, Sanford’s loved ones have set up a memorial fund in his honor with Fifth Third Bank for a funeral. Anyone who would like to contribute to the Ronald L. Sanford Memorial Fund may visit or any Fifth Third Bank.
