Rocky and 'Iron Mike' inducted into boxing hall of fame (With Video) News Rocky and 'Iron Mike' inducted into boxing hall of fame (With Video) Photo by JOHN HAEGER International Boxing Hall of Fame class of 2011 Sylvester Stallone is congratulated by classmate Mike Tyson after his induction into International Boxing Hall of Fame on Sunday, June 12, 2011 in Canastota. By DAVID M. JOHNSON # Comments CANASTOTA NEW YORK -- Getting inducted to the International Boxing Hall of Fame can be an emotional event. "Iron" Mike Tyson was proof of that Sunday. Overwhelmed on stage like few opponents could do to him in the ring, Tyson broke down as the final speaker of the Class of 2011 that included movie star Sylvester Stallone, boxers Julio Cesar Chavez and Kostya Tszyu, trainer Nacho Beristain and referee Joe Cortez. "Mike has become a very sensitive person and as such you saw him break down," said Class of 2005 inductee Bert Sugar. "There (always) was a sensitive side, but he did a hell of a job hiding it.

This was brilliant." Tyson was one of the most intimidating boxers of his era. He became the youngest heavyweight champion at 20 years and four months old. However, he may be as well-known for an ear-biting incident in a fight against Evander Holyfield and time in prison for a rape conviction. More recently, Tyson has dipped his toe into the entertainment industry with a role in the 2010 hit "The Hangover" and a reality show about his pigeons on Animal Planet. Advertisement He tried to keep his speech light at first with a joke about former Canastota champion Carmen Basilio, but was unable to continue after talking about former trainer and legal guardian Cus D'Amato who died in 1985. "All this stuff started when I met Cus, and Bobby Stewart really, when I was in reform school," Tyson said of his career. His speech lasted less than three minutes. What looked like the largest induction crowd in history was supportive nonetheless. Stallone's appearance was another reason for the large amount of attendees. The director and star of the 1976 Academy Award-winning movie "Rocky" and its five sequels talked about his knowledge of a boxer's life outside the ring.

"I never pretended to be a boxer, I don't posses those skills," Stallone said after the chants of "Rocky" died down. "What I do think I have is an understanding of what goes on outside the ring. Outside the ring is sometimes maybe even a bigger struggle than what goes on inside the ring. I was able to capture that." Similar to the end of the original movie, Stallone closed with, "Yo Adrian, I did it." Chavez, once considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, dedicated his induction to the people of his native country, Mexico. Mexico City was the site of the largest boxing crowd to witness a live match when 132,274 fans watched Chavez beat Greg Haugen. The referee of that match was also inducted Sunday. Cortez officiated his first title fight in 1982 and has refereed more than 160. The New York City native coined the phrase "fair but firm" to describe his style. "Boxing isn't something I wanted to do at the beginning of my career," Cortez said. "As I was growing up there was a fighter that moved to my neighborhood.

Gasper Ortega is the person responsible for (me) being where I am today. He took me under his wing and basically raised me." A Russian-born Australian boxer, Tszyu thanked Mexican opponent Hector Lopez for motivating him to be the best. "My first few fights I felt I could reach the top very, very quickly," Tszyu said. "Then one day I fought against a very, very tough fighter, Hector Lopez. He gave me a very, very big lesson about professional boxing. I realized to be the best you have to train...three times harder than I did before. It changed my life." Boxers have to wait five years after their last fight before they are eligible for the Hall of Fame. Votes are cast by members of the Boxing Writers Association and a panel of international boxing historians. The IBHOF also announced posthumous inductees Memphis Pal Moore, Jack Root, Dave Shade, A.F. Bettinson, broadcaster Harry Carpenter and John Gully. Boxing promoter Don King attended the ceremony and waved a flag of each inductees' native country during their speech. "It was a great thing for Mike to (be) inducted to the Hall of Fame.," King said.

"(Museum executive director) Ed Brophy has done a great job. Boxing is life and life is boxing. In life you've got to deal with your problems. In boxing, it personifies that. Your problem is right before you." As the weekend came to an end, Brophy was happy. "It was a huge success," Brophy said. "The fans are overwhelmed with the many events that the volunteers put on. Thanks to the many community organizations and volunteers that made it all happen. It's a great way to send a positive message for boxing and Canastota around the world." Tearful Mike Tyson inducted into Boxing Hall of Fame comment CANASTOTA, N.Y. -- The once-proclaimed "baddest man on the planet" fumbled for words that wouldn't come. Sylvester Stallone knew exactly what Mike Tyson was feeling. Inductee Mike Tyson reacts to the crowd at the Boxing Hall of Fame. Tyson was inducted along with Sylvester Stallone, Julio Cesar Chavez, Kostya Tszyu, Ignacio "Nacho" Beristain and Joe Cortez.

AP Photo/Mike Groll Both were inducted in the International Boxing Hall of Fame on Sunday, Tyson for his reign as heavyweight champion of the world, Stallone for his "Rocky" movie series, and the fans turned out in droves on a rainy, overcast afternoon. Thousands packed every corner of the induction grounds, and Tyson was no match for the emotion of the moment. "I've got to be goofy about this or I'll get emotional up here," Tyson warned before trying to honor the late trainer Cus D'Amato, who became his legal guardian after Tyson's mother died and taught him the finer points of the sweet science in a gym in Catskill, N.Y., just a 2½-hour drive from the Hall of Fame. D'Amato died in 1985, the year before the hard-punching Tyson knocked out WBC champion Trevor Berbick in the second round to become the youngest heavyweight champ in history at age 20. "All this stuff started when I met Cus, and Bobby Stewart (a social worker and boxing fan who introduced Tyson to D'Amato)," Tyson said. "I was in reform school because I was always robbing people. "All my life I watched these guys.

I look at them different," Tyson said as he looked around at a dais that included hometown heroes Carmen Basilio and Billy Backus, Jake LaMotta, Leon Spinks, George Chuvalo, and Marvin Hagler, among others. "Why would I want to be like these guys I always say. I don't know. Tyson paused briefly -- the crowd erupted in "Come on Mike!" -- and then he tried in vain to continue. "Oh, man," Tyson said. "I have to take my time with this because there's other guys up here, you know. When I met Cus, we talked a little bit about money, but we wanted to be great fighters. "Hey guys, I can't even finish this stuff. Thank you. Thank you," Tyson said, then sat down. If anyone could understand the 44-year-old Tyson's mind-set, it was Stallone, who penned the script about an underdog boxer from Philadelphia named Rocky Balboa and then played the part in the movies. "Rocky" was released in 1976 and was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, winning best picture, best director and best film editing.

"Rocky" made Stallone what he is today and captured boxing's heart from the outset. Every induction weekend is punctuated by the theme song from "Rocky," and on this day it seemed a little bit louder than usual as it blared over the loudspeakers when the honorees made their way onstage. "I've never pretended to be a boxer. I don't possess those skills," said Stallone, who skipped the annual pre-induction parade because of security concerns. "What I do think I have is an understanding of what goes on outside the ring. Outside the ring is sometimes maybe an even bigger struggle than what goes on inside the ring, and I was able to capture that. Then I believe that you can identify more with the fighter." Stallone paused as the crowd erupted again. "More than that, you also realize that our life is a constant battle," Stallone said.

"Sometimes I write things that may seem a little sentimental, but I truly believe it's not how hard you can hit -- it's how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward because that's really what makes the difference in your life." Stallone also wrote five other movies based on the Rocky Balboa character and in 2006 was awarded the Boxing Writers Association of America award for "Lifetime Cinematic Achievement in Boxing." "There is special reverence for me," Stallone said. "They are the greatest athletes in the world. They are our connection to the past and our way to the future. They are the guys that go in there and take the blows and show that if you really put it out there on the line, you are a champion. You may not be the champion of the world, but you'll be the champion of your life. "And Yo Adrian, I did it!" Stallone shouted in closing, repeating one of the more famous lines from the movie. Mexican champ Julio Cesar Chavez, Russian-born junior welterweight Kostya Tszyu, Mexican trainer Ignacio "Nacho" Beristain, and referee Joe Cortez also were inducted.

Chavez, who grew up in an abandoned railroad car with his five sisters and four brothers, became a three-division champion, registering 88 knockouts before retiring with a professional record of 107-6-2. "My induction into the Hall of Fame is not for me, it's for all of you and all of Mexico," Chavez said through an interpreter in a brief speech. Posthumous honorees enshrined included: bantamweight Memphis Pal Moore, light heavyweight champion Jack Root, and middleweight Dave Shade in the old-timer category; British heavyweight John Gully in the pioneer category; promoter A.F. Bettinson; and former BBC broadcaster Harry Carpenter. Mike Tyson, Sylvester Stallone enter Hall of Fame | Boxing | The Seattle Times Unlimited Digital Access. $1 for 4 weeks. Thousands packed the induction grounds. “I’ve got to be goofy about this or I’ll get emotional up here,” Tyson said before trying to honor the late trainer Cus D’Amato, who became his legal guardian after Tyson’s mother died.

D’Amato died in 1985, the year before Tyson knocked out WBC champion Trevor Berbick in the second round to become the youngest heavyweight champ in history at age 20. Actor Stallone said, “I’ve never pretended to be a boxer. I don’t possess those skills. What I do think I have is an understanding of what goes on outside the ring.” Fighters Julio Cesar Chavez and Kostya Tszyu, trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain and referee Joe Cortez also were inducted. Posthumous honorees enshrined included fighters Memphis Pal Moore, Jack Root, Dave Shade and John Gully; promoter A.F. Bettinson and former BBC broadcaster Harry Carpenter. College baseball Texas beats Arizona State Mark Payton had a two-out RBI single to give Texas the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning and scored on Brandon Loy’s double to help the Longhorns beat Arizona State 4-2 to win Game 3 of the best-of-three Austin Super Regional. The Longhorns advanced to their record 34th College World Series in Omaha, Neb.

California, which took a 1-0 series lead over Dallas Baptist into Game 2 Sunday night in Santa Clara, Calif., is the lone Pac-10 team with a chance to reach the College World Series. College football Gee refers to scandal Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee told the school’s largest graduating class a scandal in its football program that led to the resignation of coach Jim Tressel is “but a temporary condition.” As Gee opened commencement festivities for a record 9,700 graduates and about 40,000 family and friends inside Ohio Stadium in Columbus, he made a veiled reference to the controversy. “Let me acknowledge on this day of celebration, in this cathedral of triumph and hope, that many Buckeye hearts are heavy,” Gee said. “On rare occasion, this great grand building has been home to disappointment and tumult. That is but a temporary condition.” NFL Ex-Dallas Cowboys linebacker Godfrey Myles died Friday after suffering a massive stroke. He was 42. Myles played six seasons for Dallas and retired after the 1996 season.

Tennis Wozniacki wins at home Top-ranked Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark won her second consecutive Sony Ericsson Open title in Copenhagen, beating fourth-seeded Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic 6-1, 6-4 in the final. Wozniacki, 20, did not lose a set in the indoor tournament and earned her fifth WTA title of the year. Elsewhere • Briton Bradley Wiggins, who competes for the Sky team, won the Criterium du Dauphine as Katusha rider Joaquim Rodriguez of Spain took the seventh and final stage in La Toussuire, France. Wiggins had a time of 26 hours, 40 minutes, 51 seconds and finished 1:26 ahead of second-place Cadel Evans, an Australian who rides for BMC. • Two-time world champion Kohei Uchimura won the NHK Cup all-around title in Tokyo to qualify for the world gymnastics championships in Tokyo in October. Koko Tsurumi won the women’s competition.

• Nyjah Huston, 16, of Davis, Calif., won his second consecutive Street League Skateboarding contest and a $150,000 check. The 2010 Street League champion’s victory in Kansas City, Mo., was preceded by a victory in Seattle last month.

Seattle Times news services Induction Weekend 2011 (C) Copyright 1997,1998,1999,2000 All rights reserved International Boxing Hall of Fame 1 Hall of Fame Drive Canastota, NY 13032 P: 315.697.7095 F: 315.697.5356 22nd ANNUAL HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CELEBRATION IN BOXING'S HOMETOWN - CANASTOTA, NEW YORK CANASTOTA, NY - JUNE 12, 2011 - A record crowd of boxing fans from around the globe that swelled into the thousands congregated at the Hall of Fame's Events Pavilion to see the Class of 2011 join boxing immortals when they were enshrined into the Hall of Fame during the Official Induction Ceremony on Sunday, June 12th. The ceremony capped four days of activities in “Boxing’s Hometown” celebrating the new class of inductees. The weekend featured many exciting events including a golf tournament, cocktail party, banquet and boxing autograph card show.

Also, there were a variety of activities on the Museum Grounds including the popular "ringside lecture" question and answer sessions, book signings and silent auction. This year's living inductees were three-division champion Julio Cesar Chavez, junior welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu, heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, trainer Nacho Beristain, referee Joe Cortez and screenwriter Sylvester Stallone. Living honorees received the official Hall of Fame Induction Certificate and gold Hall of Fame ring symbolizing their status as Hall of Famers. Mexico’s trainer of champions Beristain graciously shared Hall of Fame honors with the many champions he guided, as he was the first inductee to accept his honors. “Without them, I never would have been deserving of this honor.” Referee Cortez, who is known for being “Fair But Firm,” was next to accept his Hall of Fame ring. “…I became a professional referee back in 1977 in New York City. My dream was to do one world title fight, just one. And that fight was the great Aaron Pryor, along with Miguel Montilla.

That was an honor for me.” As the crowd chanted “Rocky, Rocky, Rocky” screenwriter Stallone made his way to the microphone to join boxing’s immortals. “Music to my ears. But more importantly, whenever you’re saying ‘Rocky’ I always feel as though you’re giving a vote of confidence to these great athletes.” "I've never pretended to be a boxer. I don't possess those skills. What I do think I have is an understanding of what goes on outside the ring. Outside the ring is sometimes maybe an even bigger struggle than what goes on inside the ring, and I was able to capture that. Then I believe that you can identify more with the fighter.” “And Yo Adrian, I did it!" Stallone exclaimed in closing. Russian-born Australian Tszyu spoke of his children as he accepted his gold ring. “Now, this ring – let me put it on – is special. This is special not only for me, of course it will be on my hand for some time until my kids grow up.

Of course, everything we do in life is for our kids – I really hope - I’ve got my two boys here - that they’re listening – that life is not easy and I don’t want your life to be easy . I want your life to be difficult and when you achieve it at the end you’re going to say thank you that it’s not that easy. And I hope that one day in like thirty years you’re going to invite me to this event as inductees and I’m going to be proudly sitting here watching you inducted like me.” “El Gran Campeon Mexicano” Chavez thanked his family and friends. “First of all I’m really exited and really happy because my family is here. All the effort I put into my professional career, the sacrifice was really worth it because it wasn’t five years, it was a lot more. I’m really proud because this induction into the Hall of Fame is not for me, it is for all of you and all of Mexico.” Tyson delivered a heartfelt speech as he thanked those who helped him during his career.

“All this stuff started when I met Cus (D’Amato), and Bobby Stewart from Amsterdam in this reform school because I was always robbing people when I was a kid. All my life I watched these guys (motioning to the fighters on the dais). I look at them different. Why would I want to be like these guys I always say? I don't know.” As Tyson continued to honor D’Amato, he warned he might get emotional. "I've got to be goofy about this or I'll get emotional up here. When I met Cus, we talked a little bit about money, but we wanted to be great fighters. Hey guys, I can't even finish this stuff. Thank you. Thank you." Posthumous inductees of the Class of 2011 honored were Memphis Pal Moore, Jack Root and Dave Shade in the old-timer category; John Gully in the pioneer category; promoter A.F. Bettinson in the Non-Participant category and broadcaster Harry Carpenter in the observer category. Root’s great great nephews John and David Deegan and Shade’s grandson Bob Shade accepted Hall of Fame honors for their loved ones.

Among the boxing stars on hand for the weekend were Hall of Fame Alumni Carmen Basilio, Carlos Ortiz, Ruben Olivares, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Aaron “The Hawk” Pryor, Ken Norton, Gene Fullmer, Jake LaMotta, Don Chargin, J Russell Peltz, Bert Sugar, Angelo Dundee, Lou Duva, Stanley Christodoulou, Jeff Fenech, Brian Mitchell, Michael Carbajal, Pipino Cuevas, Ricardo Lopez, Carlos Zarate, Chiquita Gonzalez, Barry McGuigan, Azumah Nelson, Jose Sulaiman, Bob Arum, Don King, Larry Hazzard and Wilfried Sauerland. Other boxing celebrities in attendance included Livingstone Bramble, Marlon Starling, Leon Spinks, “Jesse” James Leija, John H. Stracey, Billy Backus, Dickie DiVeronica, George Chuvalo, Al Bernstein, Sergio Martinez, Erik Morales, Gasper Ortega, Jimmy Lennon Jr., Vinny Paz and Marco Antonio Barrera.

The Grand Marshals of the 2011 Parade of Champions were real life inspirations of the Academy Award winning movie The Fighter, brothers “Irish” Micky Ward and Dicky Eklund. Weekend Notes: Mexican Fiesta Night – The Hall of Fame celebrated the proud tradition of Mexico’s boxing history. The evening featured video highlights and speeches from such luminaries as Chavez, Cuevas, Lopez, Zarate, Gonzalez, Morales, Beristain and Sulaiman. Jimmy Lennon Jr. recounted the many Mexican boxing bouts and stars he admired and announced during his career. ALSO IN ATTENDANCE for the 22nd Hall of Fame Weekend festivities were entertainer Frank Stallone, OZ actor / Sirius XM radio host Chuck Zito, international matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz, promoter Lou DiBella, promoter Ahmet Ohner, Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard, referees Kenny Bayless, Vic Drakulich, Tony Weeks and Benjy Esteves.

### Cesar Chavez Boxer - Boxing News Boxing Press 7/20/2011 Press Releases Jermaine “Too Sweet” White (17-4, 9 KOs) was scheduled to fight Demarcus “Chop Chop” Corley for the UBO Light Welterweight title last year, but the fight never came off as the promoter of the show decided to cancel the event last minute. Now, albeit not for the world title, White … Boxing News • Page 849 of 1407 • The fastest boxing news site online in 2016, the best source for boxing results, boxing rankings, boxing articles · updated 24 hours a day 7 days a week Maidana speaks after KO win Photos: Ramon Cairo After his fourth round win last night over Russian Petr Petrov in his native Argentina before 7,000 enthusiastic fans, Marcos Maidana not only retained his WBA super lightweight title but, more importantly, he is now ready for a big challenge in his return to America. “It was great fighting before my own people. They gave me tremendous support as they always do.

I was a little nervous in the first two rounds but then I was able to do what I had been training for. Petrov is a skillful fighter but couldn’t take my punches,” Maidana said. “Erik Morales has been saying many things and calling me out. It’s not personal ’cause I respect him. He did his part against Cano and I did my part against Petrov. So if he wants the rematch with me and unify the titles, I’m ready for him in December like I’ve said,” “El Chino” added. “He said I didn’t wanna give him the rematch and that was a lie. Plain and simple. He puts his WBC title and I put my WBA title on the line and we have a fight in December. If he’s not ready, he should shut up and I’ll face some of the other big guys. This time I’ll waste no time in repeating my call to The Queen Khan ’cause everybody knows that he runs scared of me,” the WBA super lightweight champ said.

(more…) Photos: Ramon Cairo After his fourth round win last night over Russian Petr Petrov in his native Argentina before 7,000 … September 24th, 2011 Russito Montes back in action By Ahmed Santos Hot Los Mochis, Sinaloa, México prospect Mahonri “Russito” Montes is more than ready to face another difficult roadblock in his way to the top, tonight when he clashes against Nicaraguan tough tester Carlos Wiston Velásquez, in the undercard of Mexican superstar Jorge “Travieso” Arce. “Russito” Montes (22-0-1, 17 KOs) wants to look good against Velásquez (18-12-1 ,10 KOs) – who has given serious problems and surprises in his last two fights to undefeated Mexicans, knowing that it would place him at another level and towards better fights and even a title shot, guided by Latin Sports promotions. The fight is scheduled for 10 rounds at lightweight from the Foro Promocasa in the city of Mexicali, Baja California, México.

By Ahmed Santos Hot Los Mochis, Sinaloa, México prospect Mahonri “Russito” Montes is more than ready to face another difficult … September 24th, 2011 For more info on UFC 135 or the UFC, visit . . . . For more info on UFC 135 or the UFC, visit September 24th, 2011 Shafikov wins EBU belt By Pasi Taavitsainen at ringside Unbeaten light welterweight Denis Shafikov (26-0-1, 15 KOs) scored a ninth round stoppage of Giuseppe Lauri (52-7, 31 KOs to claim the vacant EBU (European) title on Friday night in Helsinki, Finland. Lauri took an eight-count in round eight and didn’t come out for round nine. Also cruiserweight Juho Haapoja (16-2-1, 10 KOs) outpointed Faisal Ibnel Arrami (13-3, 9 KOs) to claim the vacant EBU-EU belt.

Scores were 117-110, 114-113 and 116-111. By Pasi Taavitsainen at ringside Unbeaten light welterweight Denis Shafikov (26-0-1, 15 KOs) scored a ninth round stoppage of Giuseppe … September 24th, 2011 By Felipe Leon Photo: Paul Gallegos Undefeated local favorite super bantamweight Christopher Martin (23-0-2, 6KOs) of San Diego, CA, will make his Top Rank Promotions debut on Saturday, October 1st, on the under card of Toshiaki Nishioka-Rafael Marquez WBC super bantamweight title bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fox Sports will televise the card. The world ranked Martin will be facing the battle hardened Jonathan Arias (16-6, 9KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico. The twenty-seven year old Arias is world tested fighter who has faced the likes of Charles Huerta, Joksan Hernandez and Abner Mares.

Arias owns wins over Francisco Arce, Jorge Arce’s younger brother, and the very tough Giovanni Caro. In his last bought in August, Arias stopped Mauro Becerra in two. (more…) By Felipe Leon Undefeated local favorite super bantamweight Christopher Martin (23-0-2, 6KOs) of San Diego, CA, will make his Top … September 24th, 2011 Maidana smashes Petrov WBA super lightweight champion Marcos Maidana (31-2, 28 KOs) scored an impressive fourth round KO over #14 rated Petr Petrov (29-3-2, 13 KOs) on Friday night at the Sociedad Alemana de Villa Ballester in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Petrov was given a count in round one after his glove touched the canvas. He was sent down again at the beginning of the fourth and Maidana finished the job later in the round with a third knockdown. Maidana took the fight against Petrov after his defense against Robert Guerrero fell through due to a Guerrero injury.

WBA super lightweight champion Marcos Maidana (31-2, 28 KOs) scored an impressive fourth round KO over #14 rated Petr Petrov … September 24th, 2011 Mexico vs Philippines Webcast WBCBoxing.tv will present a championship boxing webcast, free of charge, tonight at 11:30PM ET/8:30PM PT. In the main event – scheduled for 12 rounds from Plaza de Toros in Juriquilla, Queretaro, Mexico – WBC Silver super flyweight champion Oscar Ibarra, 27-4 with 18 knockouts, of Mexico City, will defend the title against Sylvester Lopez, 16-3-1 with 12 knockouts, of Parañaque City, Philippines. The bout is also a final eliminator to determine the mandatory challenger for the WBC super flyweight world title. (more…) WBCBoxing.tv will present a championship boxing webcast, free of charge, tonight at 11:30PM ET/8:30PM PT.

In the main event – … September 24th, 2011 By Rocco Morales at ringside Photos: Big Joe Miranda In main event action in the latest installment of “Locked ‘N Loaded” from the Ontario Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California, Jonathon “Lil Thunder” Arellano (10-0-1, 2KO) put on an impressive boxing display to win the vacant WBC Intercontinenantal super bantamweight title over the previously undefeated Michael Ruiz, Jr. (8-1-1, 3KO). In a scheduled eight round affair, Arrelano, fighting in front of his home crowd, highlighted a dominant performance with a fourth round knockdown, courtesy of a hard right cross. To his own credit, Ruiz never stopped coming forward but Arrelano proved to be the better fighter and was recognized as so by the ringside judges who scored the bout 80-71, 79-72 and 78-73, respectively.

For more details and photos click here… By Rocco Morales at ringside Photos: Big Joe Miranda In main event action in the latest installment of “Locked ‘N … September 24th, 2011 El Harrak-Hirsch ends in draw By Francisco Salazar at ringside In a very competitive main event bout, super welterweights Said El Harrak and late sub Tony Hirsch fought to a six round split decision draw on Friday night at the Commerce Casino in Commerce, CA.. Hirsch, who took the fight on a week’s notice when Roberto Garcia allegedly fell off the card, started well in the first round. El Harrak (11-1-1, 5 KO’s) was at his best on the inside in the first two rounds, staying compact and landing the more effective punches. Hirsch (12-4-2, 6 KO’s) used his reach to land counter an lead right hands to the head of El Harrak. Both fighters had their moments in the final round, but El Harrak looked like the busier fighter, landing shots to Hirsch’s body.

Hirsch and El Harrak each had a judge score the bout 58-56 in their favor, while the third judge scored the bout 57-57. Fightnews.com scored the bout 57-57 as well. All Star Boxing Promotions promoted the eight-bout boxing and mixed martial arts card. (more…) By Francisco Salazar at ringside In a very competitive main event bout, super welterweights Said El Harrak and late sub … September 24th, 2011 Fonfara TKOs Spearman in 2 By Przemek Garczarczyk at ringside “Jose Spearman wanted to talk. I wanted to hit,” said 23-year-old Andrzej Fonfara (19-2, 10 KOs) after his easy TKO win at 1:20 of the second round over Jose Spearman (28-18, 11 KOs).

Spearman, who in the first couple of minutes wanted to engage Fonfara in some exchanges, didn’t want to have any part of the Polish fighter’s combinations and power in the second round, going to his knees when Fonfara’s right hook connected with his face. “I wanted more, I wanted a real test, but unfortunately Spearman was not up to the task,” said the visibly disappointed Fonfara. (more…) By Przemek Garczarczyk at ringside “Jose Spearman wanted to talk. I wanted to hit,” said 23-year-old Andrzej Fonfara (19-2, 10 … September 24th, 2011 Larkin remains unbeaten Photo by Chris Cozzone Rising light heavyweight Lorenz Larkin remained unbeaten Friday by punishing an extremely resilient Nick Rossborough in the main event of Strikeforce Challengers at The Pearl arena inside the Palms casino & hotel. Rossborough, a Salt Lake City fighter who took the fight on relatively short notice, pushed the pace early and his aggression produced a closely contested round one . . . Click here for more by Frank Curreri, Strikeforce.com . . . .

For more info on Strikeforce, visit Photo by Chris Cozzone Rising light heavyweight Lorenz Larkin remained unbeaten Friday by punishing an extremely resilient Nick Rossborough in … September 24th, 2011 Hardy targets Lewis after KO Simeon “Candy Man” Hardy is calling out former world champion Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis after demolishing veteran Winston Pompey 30 seconds of the second round of the scheduled six round contest. The fight was a the main event of the 18th edition of the Friday night fights held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Georgetown Guyana. The first round was a slugfest which saw both fighters landing bombs from the outside. Hardy used his boxing skills at the start of round two, using an accurate straight right behind a solid left jab. He slipped a wild right from Pompey and countered with a text book left hook that sent the veteran crashing to the canvas. Pompey tried to beat the count but fell again to the canvas. Referee Franklyn Brisport wisely wave off the massacre.

(more…) Simeon “Candy Man” Hardy is calling out former world champion Andrew “Six Heads” Lewis after demolishing veteran Winston Pompey 30 … September 24th, 2011 Cherry-Aiken: no decision By Phil Doherty at ringside For a sport so worried about its future, boxing may find the brightest hope hidden in its storied past. Long ago, boxing promoters promoted fights. Matchmakers made matchups. Managers managed fighters and fighters, well, you get the idea. It was a simpler time when your job title defined your role. And despite the nefarious reach of underworld influence, it actually worked. It produced consistently compelling fights that fans (gasp!) came out to see in droves. Panther Promotions revisited this business model once again tonight from The Seminole Hard Rock Live with some surprising and surprisingly good results. Their seven-bout show, coincidentally titled “Future Superstars,” provided the large and lively crowd an edge-of-your seat ride with more twists and turns than a squirming worm about to become bait.

(more…) By Phil Doherty at ringside For a sport so worried about its future, boxing may find the brightest hope hidden … September 24th, 2011 Junior Assuncao (145) VS Eddie Yagin (145) Cole Escovedo (135) VS Takeya Mizugaki (135) Ricardo Romero (205) VS James Te Huna (205) (more…) Photos by Joe Cordova From the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado for UFC 135, which is headlined by the light … September 24th, 2011 Escobedo defeats Juarez In a crossroads clash between former Olympians, Vicente Escobedo (24-3-1, 14 KOs) won a ten round unanimous decision over Rocky Juarez (28-9-1, 20 KOs) in a 10-round junior lightweight bout on Friday night at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif.

Escobedo scored a knockdown of Juarez with a jab in round three, but Juarez recovered well and staggered Escobedo with a big left hook in the sixth. Escobedo was hurt, but saved by the bell. Both fighters battled hard for the full ten rounds and the bout seemed closer than the scores of 98-91, 97-92, 96-93. Junior lightweight Adam “El Torito” Carrera (20-4, 8 KOs) outpointed Adolfo “Terror” Landeros (20-22-2, 10 KOs) over six rounds. Carrera dropped Landeros in rounds two and three on the way to a unanimous decision by scores of 58-53, 58-53, 57-54.

In a crossroads clash between former Olympians, Vicente Escobedo (24-3-1, 14 KOs) won a ten round unanimous decision over Rocky … September 24th, 2011 By Pepe Rodriguez / WBC Photos Alma Montiel / WBC In an unprecedented setting, the official weigh-in ceremony was conducted at the Soumaya Museum, property of Don Carlos Slim, as part of the celebration of the 3rd anniversary of Ring TELMEX. Adrian Hernandez 108 – Gideon Buthelezi 106 WBC Lt.

Flyweight World Championship Gilberto Ramirez 159 – Amilcar Funes 158.5 WBC Middleweight Youth World Championship Carlos Cuadras 115 – Johnny Garcia 115 WBC Superflyweight Continental Americas Championship Daniel Estrada 135 – Rene Gonzalez 133 WBC Lightweight FECARBOX Championship Ring TELMEX is a scholarship fund whose program has already generated four WBC world champions (Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Adrian “Confesor” Hernandez, Mariana “Barbie” Juarez, and Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz) and also provides a life-term pension to 22 former champions. more photos By Pepe Rodriguez / WBC Photos Alma Montiel / WBC In an unprecedented setting, the official weigh-in ceremony was conducted … September 24th, 2011 Juan Carlos Gomez 240 vs. Darnell Wilson 229 Rakhim Chakhkiev 200 vs.Michael Simms 203 Denis Boytsov 215 vs. Matthew Greer 240 Ina Menzer 126.75 vs.

Ela Nunez 126.75 Vitali Tajbert 129.5 vs. Andrey Kostin 129 Marcel Meyerdiercks 128.3 vs.Mikheil Avakian 128.3 Venue: Dima Sports Center, Hamburg, Germany Promoter: Universum Alexander Dimitrenko 250 vs. Michael Sprott 243.6 (European heavyweight championship) Juan Carlos Gomez 240 vs. Darnell Wilson 229 Rakhim Chakhkiev … September 24th, 2011 Cotto-Margarito TR shoot Photos: Chris Farina/Top Rank Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito glare intensely during a Top Rank commercial shoot in Los Angeles Friday on the world tour for their highly-anticipated World Championship rematch, Saturday, December 3, at Madison Square Garden in New York. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Cotto Promotions, Tornado Promotions, AT&T, and Madison Square Garden, Cotto-Margarito II will be produced and distributed Live by HBO Pay-Per-View®. Click here for more photos….

Photos: Chris Farina/Top Rank Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito glare intensely during a Top Rank commercial shoot in Los Angeles … September 23rd, 2011 Photos: Rafael Soto/Zanfer Jorge Arce 122 vs Simphiwe Nongqayi 121 Vìctor Terrazas 126 vs Eduardo Becerril 123 Mahonri Montes 135 … September 23rd, 2011 WBA KO Drugs in Panama City By Gabriel F. Cordero The WBA along with local boxing company Promociones y Eventos del Istmo headed by Espiño Rogelio announced at a press conference that the 24th edition of the WBA KO Drugs Festival will be held in Panama City on October 22 and will consist of fifteen bouts, including three world championship fights and boxers from eleven countries.

In the main event, Panamanian Alberto “Metralleta” Mosquera (16-0-1, 12 KO​​s) faced Cuban-Italian Brunet Zamora (21-0-1, 10 KOs) for the WBA interim super lightweight world crown. Other world title bouts include former world champion Paulus Moses of Namibia (27-1, 19 KOs) and Richard April of Cuba (16-2-1. 8 KOs) competing for the WBA interim lightweight belt, and Venezuelan Ogleydis Suarez (15-2-1, 7 KOs) meets Brazilian Simone Da Silva (10-1, 3 KOs) for the WBA female featherweight world crown. (more…) By Gabriel F. Cordero The WBA along with local boxing company Promociones y Eventos del Istmo headed by Espiño Rogelio … September 23rd, 2011 Preview: Strikeforce Preview by Anthony Springer Jr. The monthly Strikeforce Challengers series on Showtime may not have the big headlining names, but it’s an event that combat sports fans should not miss.

Current Strikeforce Grand Prix finalist Daniel Cormier cut his teeth dismantling opponents in the Challengers arena, as did current Strikeforce middleweight champion Luke Rockhold and welterweight contender Tyron Woodley. (more…) Preview by Anthony Springer Jr. The monthly Strikeforce Challengers series on Showtime may not have the big headlining names, but … September 23rd, 2011 Juanma, Oliver pre weigh-in Photos: Mario Vayas/PR Best Boxing Promotions Former double world champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” López and Mike Oliver weighed under the limit today at in the last pre weigh in for their bout in the show Triple Crown III next October 1st at the Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Bayamon, in a PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP) and Top Rank, to be televised on “Pay Per View.” López (30-1, 27 KOs) weighed in 131.5 pounds and Oliver (25-2, 8 KOs) 128.3 pounds of a 132.3 pound maximum. The López-Oliver bout will be for the WBO Latino featherweight title.

“I thought that I was in 132, but I am fine in this weight. We are working to get the best condition for this fight against Oliver,” Lopez said. Meanwhile, former WBO junior lightweight champion, Román “Rocky” Martínez (24-1-1, 15 KOs), who weighed 134 pounds of a 136.5 maximum, will face now Nigerian Daniel Attah (26-7-1, 9 KOs) for the WBO Intercontinental 130lb belt. Super bantamweight contender Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (21-2, 14 KOs) will now fight Mexican José Luis Araiza (29-4, 20 KOs) for the WBO Latino super bantamweight title. Oquendo weighed today 128.6 pounds.

Click here for more photos… Photos: Mario Vayas/PR Best Boxing Promotions Former double world champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” López and Mike Oliver weighed under the … September 23rd, 2011 Froch-Ward Postponement Update Andre Ward, the WBA Super Middleweight World Champion and Super Six finalist, sustained a cut above his right eye during a sparring session on Thursday, Sept. 22. As a result, the Super Six World Boxing Classic Tournament Final and world title unification fight with fellow Finalist and WBC World Champion Carl Froch has been postponed. The announcement was made jointly today by Ward’s promoter, Dan Goossen of Goossen Tutor Promotions, Froch’s promoter, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport, and Ken Hershman of SHOWTIME Sports®. The Final was scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 29 in Atlantic City, NJ. The promoters and Hershman are working together to identify a new date for the significant matchup.

(more…) Andre Ward, the WBA Super Middleweight World Champion and Super Six finalist, sustained a cut above his right eye during … September 23rd, 2011 Mora returns November 4 Former WBC super welterweight champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora will face Jose Alfredo “Shibata” Flores on November 4 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California. Both fighters will be in attendance at tonight’s clash at the same venue between former Olympians Vicente Escobedo and Rocky Juarez to officially announce the November 4 fight. Former WBC super welterweight champion Sergio “The Latin Snake” Mora will face Jose Alfredo “Shibata” Flores on November 4 at … September 23rd, 2011 New for for El Harrak By Francisco Salazar Super welterweight Said El Harrak will have a new opponent whom he will face tonight at the Commerce Casino in Commerce, CA. El Harrak (10-1, 5 KO’s) will take on Oakland’s Tony Hirsch (12-4-1, 6 KO’s) in the six round main event of the All Star Boxing Promotions card.

El Harrak was supposed to fight fringe super welterweight contender Roberto Garcia for a regional title belt, but Garcia dropped out of the fight late last week. The fight is scheduled to start at 7:30PM with tickets starting at $50. For information and tickets, call All Star Boxing at (323) 816-6200 or (323) 781-4871. By Francisco Salazar Super welterweight Said El Harrak will have a new opponent whom he will face tonight at the … September 23rd, 2011 Moreno-Darchinyan in the works By Gabriel F. Cordero There is the possibility that WBA super bantamweight world champion “in recess” Anselmo “Chemito” Moreno will defend his crown against the IBO bantamweight world champion Vic Darchinyan. The fight would take place on December 3 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California and would be part of the card featuring the rematch between Abner Mares and Joseph Agbeko for IBF bantamweight world belt.

Sources say that Moreno is waiting for the World Boxing Association to reinstate him as champion after he was declared “champion in recess” pending the resolution of his legal situation with manager Roberto Grimaldo. By Gabriel F. Cordero There is the possibility that WBA super bantamweight world champion “in recess” Anselmo “Chemito” Moreno will … September 23rd, 2011 Spadafora faces DUI charge Unbeaten former IBF lightweight champion Paul Spadafora was arrested by Jefferson Hills, PA police last night and is facing a DUI charge according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Authorities observed Spadafora’s SUV traveling at 66MPH in a 40MPH and after the vehicle was stopped, police say they detected an “alcohol odor” coming from the boxer. He refused to give a blood sample and was released to the custody of a friend.

Unbeaten former IBF lightweight champion Paul Spadafora was arrested by Jefferson Hills, PA police last night and is facing a … September 23rd, 2011 By Joe Koizumi A female tripleheader and a WBC final eliminator took place on Thursday in Tokyo, Japan. Unbeaten WBA 105-pound champ Etsuko Tada (9-0-2, 2 KOs), 104.25, a fast-moving southpaw, kept her belt for the sixth time when she pounded out a nearly shutout decision (100-90 twice and 98-92) over ex-WBC 108-pound ruler Nongmuay Kokietgym (10-3-3, no KO), 104.5, Thailand, over ten hot rounds.

WBC 105-pound titlist Naoko Fujioka (7-0, 5 KOs), Japan, displayed a Naseem-Hamed style and freely battered official challenger Kanittha Kokietgym (13-4, 4 KOs), Thailand, from all angles en route to a well-received TKO win at 0:37 of the ninth session. It’s the hard-hitting Fujioka’s initial defense since she dethroned Mexican Anabel Ortiz this May. Slick-punching Japanese girl Mari Ando (8-3, 4 KOs), 101.5, impressively acquired the vacant WBA light-minimumweight belt by winning a unanimous verdict (98-92 twice and 97-93) over Amara Kokietgym (7-2-1, 3 KOs), 101.5, Thailand, over ten. The WBA newly established the 102-pound category, and Ando became the very first champ through this elimination bout.

Ex-WBC 130-pound ruler, Canadian Jelena Mrdjenovich (25-8-1, 12 KOs), 128.75, showed her superior speed and skills in defeating Raika Fujin (22-7-1, 9 KOs), a game Japanese veteran, by a unanimous nod (96-94, 98-92 and 97-93) in a WBC final eliminator to decide the official challenger over ten. (more…) By Joe Koizumi A female tripleheader and a WBC final eliminator took place on Thursday in Tokyo, Japan. Unbeaten WBA … September 23rd, 2011 Shots from Thursday’s open media workouts in Denver . . . (more…) Photos by Joe Cordova Shots from Thursday’s open media workouts in Denver . . . September 23rd, 2011 Ward injured, Super Six postponed Carl Froch’s Super Six final showdown with Andre Ward in Atlantic City on October 29 has been postponed after Andre Ward suffered an injury in sparring.

Ward sustained an injury to his eye that required seven stitches after a sparring session on Thursday evening. The Showtime 360 fight camp were filming the session and made the trip to the hospital where he was advised by the doctor that he would not be fit to fight on October 29. The fight will be rearranged with a likely date in early December. Froch’s promoter Eddie Hearn said the postponement will only make the Nottingham star more determined to beat Ward. “Obviously it is frustrating. Carl’s camp has gone perfectly and we were ready to unify the titles on October 29,” said Hearn. “Carl is in the shape of his life but he is a true professional and will take this in his stride and be ready for victory on a date given in 2011.” Carl Froch’s Super Six final showdown with Andre Ward in Atlantic City on October 29 has been postponed after Andre … September 23rd, 2011 Watch the UFC 135 Weigh-In Live Today on UFC.com : Fighters hit the scale at approximately 6pm ET / 3pm PT Jones and Rampage Battle For The 205-lb.

Title Tomorrow Night : Plus, Hall of Famer Matt Hughes takes on Josh Koscheck – UFC 135 presented by Gears of War 3 – Saturday, September 24 at 9pm ET / 6pm PT live on Pay-Per-View and UFC.TV See The Prelims Live On SPIKE & Rogers Sportsnet : TUF13 winner Tony Ferguson battles Aaron Riley, and Nick Ring takes on Tim Boetsch – live at 8pm / 5pm PT Three Free Prelims Live on Facebook Tomorrow Night : Before the televised action begins, see three prelims on Facebook – “Like” the UFC page and watch live at 6pm ET / 3pm PT . . . . For more info on UFC 135 or the UFC, visit Watch the UFC 135 Weigh-In Live Today on UFC.com: Fighters hit the scale at approximately 6pm ET / 3pm PT Jones … September 23rd, 2011 NBA, NY State titles on the line Tonight Universal Boxing NY Promotions, New Legend Promotions, and Old World Boxing Promotions will host “International Fight Night” at the Cordon Bleu in Woodhaven, NY.

In the main event, welterweights Mike Ruiz (15-5, 7 KOs) and Martin Wright (10-1-2, 5 KOs) will battle for the vacant NBA Junior Intercontinental title. In the co-main event, Jonathan Cuba (5-3-1, 4 KOs) and Ariel Duran (7-2-1, 4 KOs) will go toe-to-toe for the vacant New York State lightweight title. The undercard is packed with some of New York City’s top local talent. The doors open at 6:30p and the first bout is at 7:30p. The Cordon Bleu is located at 96-01 Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven, NY. Tickets are still available at the door.

Tonight Universal Boxing NY Promotions, New Legend Promotions, and Old World Boxing Promotions will host “International Fight Night” at the … September 23rd, 2011 Iron Mike Tyson's emotional speech highlights Boxing Hall of Fame festivities | syracuse.com Iron Mike Tyson's emotional speech highlights Boxing Hall of Fame festivities comments Mike Tyson Induction Speech at Boxing Hall of Fame Former heavyweight champion 'Iron' Mike Tyson, one of the most dominant and controversial boxing figures both in and out of the ring, gives his induction speech at the Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, NY on June 12, 2011. Canastota — Iron Mike Tyson showed his softer side. The 22nd annual induction ceremonies at the International Hall of Fame will be remembered for a variety of reasons. There was the massive throng of fans who descended upon this tiny village just off the New York State Thruway to take in a star-studded class that included Tyson, Julio Cesar Chavez and screenwriter/actor Sylvester Stallone. The crowd estimates, included the folks who lined the parade route, ranged anywhere from 8,000 to 12,000.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd as Mexican trainer Ignacio Beristain remembered his wife and son, Ignacio Jr., who died in a 1979 car accident. There was former world champion Kostya Tszyu telling his two young sons, “Life is not easy. I don’t want your life to be easy,’’ and then promising to be on hand when they’re inductioned into the Hall of Fame. And there was the roar when Stallone ended his acceptance speech with one of the signature lines from Rocky — “Yo, Adrian! I did it!’’ The fans responded with chants of “Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!’’ But the most memorable moment from Sunday’s induction ceremony will most certainly be the end of Tyson’s heart-felt, if somewhat disjointed, speech. Tyson, once known as the Baddest Man on the Planet, tried unsuccessfully to keep his emotions in check during his comments. Early on in his time behind the podium, Tyson told the crowd, “I’ve got to be goofy about this so I don’t get emotional up here.’’ But after acknowledging Gaspar Ortega — “It’s awesome you being here.

I’ve read a lot about you, sir.’’ — and Carmen Basilio and Gene Fullmer, Tyson started to talk about his relationship with the late Cus D’Amato, who began to work with Tyson when the young fighter was in reform school. D’Amato died in 1985 just before Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in history. “We talked a little bit about money,’’ Tyson said, “but we wanted to be great fighters.’’ At that point, Tyson’s voice trailed off. He wiped his eyes. “Hey guys, I can’t even finish this stuff,’’ Tyson said. “Thank you! Thanks!’’ And that was it. The moment had KO’d Iron Mike as quickly as he had dispatched Mike Spinks back in 1988. Most of the overflow crowd was already standing. They craned their necks and held their cameras aloft. But those that had been sitting now stood and applauded as Tyson, overcome with emotion, walked back to his seat.

Tyson, Chavez Inducted to International Boxing Hall of Fame | Fight Network Tyson, Chavez Inducted to International Boxing Hall of Fame Lou Eisen / June 17, 2011 - 5:51pm Tweet This past June 9th to the 12th, 2011, the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York, held their annual induction ceremonies. This year’s list of inductees was by far the most impressive honor roll to date. Of course this is because of the induction of former undisputed world heavyweight champion Iron Mike Tyson, the most dominant heavyweight of his era. There were no wrong turns or missteps for the former heavyweight champ over the course of the weekend, as fans showered him with love and respect at every turn. Every event was jam-packed with media and fans, leaving little to no elbowroom for all those in attendance. Tyson’s induction ensured that this year’s festivities saw the highest fan and media turnout in the Hall of Fame’s history. Even with his boxing career behind him, Mike Tyson still packs them in everywhere he goes all over the world. His hold over boxing fans has not waned one iota since his ring career ended six years ago.

Tyson seemed relaxed and comfortable amongst his multitude of fans and the assembled members of the world media. He also seemed, at long last, at ease with his place in boxing history, which, with his induction into the Hall of Fame, is now secure. Mike Tyson’s autograph was as much in demand by other fighters as it was by his many fans. Tyson generously took the time to sign autographs for fellow ring legends such as Gene Fullmer, Carmen Basilio, and Jake LaMotta. Tyson posed for some photographs, mostly with other fighters, but, for his own safety, kept such stuff to a minimum with fans. If Tyson were to sign for one fan, he would have had to sign autographs for thousands of fans, and that was simply not possible. Almost as popular with the fans as Tyson, was the outstanding former three-division world champion Julio Cesar Chavez, who cleaned out three different weight classes, which best defines the term all-time great. Chavez, notoriously camera and autograph shy, actually signed some autographs and posed for some pictures throughout the weekend.

No one seemed to be having a better time all weekend long than former junior welterweight champion Kostya Tyszu, the Thunder From Down Under, who dominated his division like few others in boxing history and punched hard enough to drop a middleweight. Tyszu will always be best remembered for dropping Zab Judah three times with one overhand right in their title fight. Tyszu happily signed thousands of autographs all weekend long while posing for every picture asked of him. During the course of the weekend, WBC official Joe Dwyer formally announced that the WBC has now listed Toronto’s Troy Ross as the number one ranked cruiserweight in the world. What this means is that if Ross can win his elimination battle in August against Lateef Kayode, then he will be in line for a title shot before the end of the year. In the non-participant category, the IBHOF also welcomed new members Nacho Berestain, perhaps the finest boxing trainer in Mexican prizefighting history, along with firm but fair referee Joe Cortez and A.F. (Peggy) Bettinson, the founder of the famed National Sporting Club of Britain.

Hollywood superstar Sylvester Stallone and the late Harry Carpenter, the former voice of boxing for the BBC for almost 50 years, were also inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in the observer category. Sylvester Stallone showed up for the Saturday night banquet in Syracuse and the Sunday afternoon induction ceremonies. Stallone posed for thousands of photographs and signed autographs for both the boxers on the dais and the 1500 fans in attendance. Every fighter who got up to speak thanked Stallone for his unique contribution to the sport of boxing. The general feeling was that through his Rocky movie franchise, Stallone has helped keep the sport of boxing front and center in the world media spotlight since 1976. Every boxer who spoke profusely thanked Ed Brophy, the executive Director of the International Boxing Hall of Fame and his family for their hard work and service above and beyond the call of duty all year around. Brophy and his family work very hard to make Canastota a very welcoming home for all of the fighters in attendance. Those words of thanks resonated a little louder this year as Ed Brophy’s mother died just over a month prior to the induction weekend.

Even through his grief, Ed Brophy managed to make every event come off swimmingly. Along with the above mentioned boxing luminaries, the 22nd annual induction ceremonies also included in the Old-Timer’s category the first ever light-heavyweight world champion, Jack Root, along with Dave Shade, a highly-ranked 1920’s boxer who fought at the highest levels of the welterweight, middleweight and light-heavyweight divisions. The Pioneer category saw the induction of John Gully (1783-1863), a former heavyweight champion in the early 1800’s in Britain under the London Prize Ring Rules. The IBHOF also paid tribute this year to two of it’s most prominent members who recently died just prior to this year’s induction festivities. Hall of Fame trainer Gil Clancy helped to train many great fighters such as Jerry Quarry, Gerry Cooney, Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, and Juan LaPorte. Perhaps Clancy’s most famous success story was Emile Griffith, whom he found as a 17 year-old kid and helped to capture the world welterweight championship twice and the world middleweight championship.

The other IBHOF member who died recently was beloved Hall of Fame cartoonist and writer Bill Gallo, who won many Boxing awards for writing over his long and meritorious career. This year’s Hall of Fame weekend was undoubtedly the year of Mike Tyson. Crowds swarmed him wherever he appeared. Tyson took part Friday afternoon in the fist casting ceremonies that have become a popular event at each year’s inductions. Kostya Tyszu had his fist cast and then happily stood for photographs. Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez both had their fists cast and then left the dais immediately, posing for only a few moments for photographers. After his fist casting, Tyson and his young daughter were escorted from the Hall of Fame grounds by golf cart to the Day’s Inn Hotel across the street. The idea was to have them take a SUV from the Day’s Inn to his hotel in Syracuse. Tyson and his daughter never made it to the Day’s Inn because their cart was swarmed by several thousand fans right in front of the Hall of Fame. Fans took thousands of pictures, completely ignoring Tyson and his daughter’s personal space. Tyson and his daughter were then hustled into a waiting SUV by the local police.

The fans then swarmed his SUV. It took the police a while but they were able to form a cordon around Tyson’s SUV, allowing him to leave the grounds safely in order to go back to his hotel in Syracuse. Each year, all of the fighters attending the festivities, with the exception this year of Mike Tyson, stay at the Day’s Inn hotel right across the street from the International Boxing Hall of Fame. The Day’s Inn is still the best place to snap photos of all of the fighters as this is where you will find them relaxed, at ease and out of the glare of the spotlight, joking with their fellow boxers and various family members. This was a unique year as many fighters who had not attended the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in quite awhile decided to attend this year’s celebrations. Jake LaMotta, the famed “Raging Bull” was there this year and I was fortunate enough to sit with him and Angelo Dundee at the Saturday night cocktail party, just prior to the banquet in Syracuse at the OnCenter. Some of this year’s other attendees included the immortal Azumah Nelson from Ghana, Ken Norton, John H. Stracey, Jeff Fenech and Pipino Cuevas.

On Friday night there was a tribute to Mexico dinner held at the Rusty Nail restaurant, with many of Mexico’s all-time great fighters in attendance. Such magnificent former champions as Carlos Zarate, Humberto “Chiquito” Gonzalez, Erik Morales, “Rockabye” Ruben Olivares, Pipino Cuevas and, of course, Julio Cesar Chavez all rose to speak about what it was like to represent Mexico in the squared circle. Mexican boxing trainer extraordinaire Nacho Berestain got up to speak as well. Also attending the event were Jesse James Leija, Carlos Ortiz, Angelo Dundee, Lou Duva, Kostya Tyszu and George Chuvalo. I did some number crunching during the Tribute to Mexico night and figured out that Carlos Zarate, Humberto Gonzalez, Erik Morales, Ruben Olivares, Pipino Cuevas and Julio Cesar Chavez collectively amassed 322 knockouts! A knockout is the single most exciting moment in all of boxing and to see these kayo masters discuss the intricacies of their craft and how proud they were to represent Mexico, was very emotional to say the least!

After each night’s events were concluded, fighters and fans retired to Graziano’s Restaurant, directly across the street from the Hall of Fame. Marvelous Marvin Hagler was in fine form, enjoying himself to the utmost, mingling with both fans and fellow fighters. George Chuvalo was once again the most popular fighter there in terms of autograph and photograph requests. Mickey Ward and Dickie Ecklund were at Grazianio’s as well, shaking hands with their many fans. Aaron Pryor was there with his son, Aaron Jr. also a fighter and a fott taller than his dad, happily talking with fans and signing autographs. I have met Aaron Pryor before and, on every occasion that we meet, the first thing he always asks is, “How is my kid brother Nicky Furlano doing?” Nicky Furlano was Canada’s greatest lightweight champion and fought Pryor tooth and nail for 15 rounds at Varsity Arena in 1982. The Saturday night banquet in Syracuse is the showpiece of the entire weekend, as all of the fighters and celebrities in attendance show up and sit together at a huge banquet table before thousands of excited fans.

Clips are shown of many of the fighter’s best moments in the ring. Former Canadian heavyweight champion George Chuvalo is always one of the most popular fighters in attendance each year. This year, George sat beside Mike Tyson at the Saturday night banquet. The two former fighters have known each other for years and had each other laughing for most of the evening. On the other side of Tyson sat former featherweight world champion Jeff Fenech from Australia, who also trained Tyson for his last few pro bouts. Dickie Ecklund and Mickey Ward, both from the movie The Fighter got up to speak with Dickie making an impassioned plea for a pension plan to be set up to take care of indigent fighters who, “spill their brains for you people but then end up living in the gutter after there careers are over!” There were some tell-tale signs during the Saturday night banquet. When introduced, each fighter received huge applause from the fans in attendance. Only promoter Don King received a round of absolute silence when he was introduced to the crowd. When King got up to speak, he rambled on and on, with no one able to make any sense of what he was talking about.

More telling however was, when King began to speak, Mike Tyson took out his cell phone and made a call, continuing to speak on his cell during King’s entire speech. When King finished and walked by Tyson, his attempt to shake Iron Mike’s hand was rebuffed by the former champ. For his part, Iron Mike thanked the fans at the OnCenter and Cus D’Amato for turning him from a 12 year-old delinquent into the world heavyweight champion. Marvelous Marvin Hagler gave the longest speech of the night, asking everyone on the dais to stand up and bow as he mentioned their names. In conclusion Hagler said he was proud to have retired from boxing as undefeated for the middleweight world title. In other words, he completely dismissed his controversial loss to Ray Leonard. Hagler pointed out that the Hall of Fame was the true home of all prizefighters and although fans were always welcome to visit, at the end of the day, it belonged to the fighters. His comments received a huge round of applause. Saturday afternoon, featured speeches from Angelo Dundee, Jesse James Leija, Azumah Nelson and Bert Randolph Sugar, boxing’s most accomplished author, on the Hall of Fame grounds.

The Parade of Champions on Sunday morning was well-received by both visiting fans and the people of Canastota. The actual inductions ceremonies took place as usual on Sunday afternoon with perhaps the largest turnout in Hall of Fame History. Iron Mike Tyson was very emotional during his speech, repeatedly thanking Cus D’Amato for all of his success in the ring and for making him a world champion. Tyson thanked all of his children and his current wife Kiki for helping him stay focused in his retirement. Tyson paid tribute to all of the other magnificent Hall of Famers in attendance as well as WBC president Jose Sulaiman. Trainer Nacho Berestain thanked the country of Mexico and every fighter, pro and amateur, that he was privileged to have worked with along with his family. Referee Joe “Firm but Fair” Cortez thanked his family and the boys clubs of Brooklyn for keeping him on the straight and narrow as a youth. He also thanked Aaron Pryor, as the first title fight he ever refereed was Aaron Pryor’s defense of his junior welterweight title on March 21st, 1982 against Miguel Montilla.

The Thunder From Down Under, Kostya Tyszu thanked his parents for their selfless sacrifices in helping him reach the top of the boxing world. Tsyszu commented on how his parents always found the time to drive him to the gym. Tyszu thanked his parents for being bold enough to move their family from an impoverished Russia to Australia, where, as a young up and coming fighter, he could pursue his dream of becoming a boxing world champion. Tyszu also thanked Jose Sulaiman and Don King for getting him the right fights at the right time. Julio Cesar Chavez thanked his family and all of Mexico and it’s great boxing fans, as well as promoters Don King, Bob Arum and WBC president Jose Sulaiman. Chavez singled out the great people of Culiacan, his home base, for their undying support all through his career, and for their continued support for his son, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in his boxing career. There are nine Canadian boxers enshrined at Canastota. There are eight in the old-timers section and only one, Lennox Lewis, in the modern section.

Hopefully, with a push from the many Canadian boxing fans across the country, Art Hafey and George Chuvalo will one day take their rightful place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Question: Sunday saw a class that included Julio Cesar Chavez, Joe Cortez, and Sylvester Stallone inducted into what Hall of Fame?
Answer: Boxing