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International Boxing Hall of Fame 1 Hall of Fame Drive Canastota, NY 13032 P: 315.697.7095 F: 315.697.5356
CLASSES OF 2020, 2021 AND 2022 HONORED DURING THE
HALL OF FAME WEEKEND INDUCTION TRILOGY IN
"BOXING'S HOMETOWN" CANASTOTA, NY
CANASTOTA, NY - JUNE 12, 2022 – After a two year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hall of Fame Induction Weekend was back in “Boxing’s Hometown” and packed a powerful three punch combination as the Classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022 were honored for their incredible achievements in the sport.
Over 40 boxing legends of yesterday and today, members of the worldwide boxing community and thousands of boxing aficionados from around the world congregated in Canastota to celebrate the “sweet science” and recognize the new inductees as they joined boxing’s immortals.
A host of memorable events took place in “Boxing’s Hometown” including a 5K Race / Fun Run, boxing autograph card show and Parade of Champions. Evening events included Friday night’s Fight Night at Turning Stone featuring the return of SHOBOX: The New Generation and Saturday’s Banquet of Champions, both held at Turning Stone Resort Casino in nearby Verona, NY. A variety of activities took place on the Museum Grounds, including the popular "ringside lecture" question and answer sessions, celebrity fist casting, raffles and a silent auction.
The Official Induction Ceremony, held at Turning Stone Resort Casino’s Event Center, topped off the exciting weekend as living honorees received the official Hall of Fame Induction Certificate and gold Hall of Fame ring symbolizing their status as Hall of Famers.
Legendary ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. welcomed the new inductees on behalf of Hall of Fame alumni and video packages highlighting the three classes were played before official acceptance remarks began.
CLASS OF 2020
Paddy Ryan’s great grandson John Ryan and Dan Goossen’s niece Brittany Goossen accepted for their loved ones.
Journalist Bernard Fernandez was unable to attend due to an illness in his family. Friend and fellow inductee Bernard Hopkins and BWAA president and friend Joe Santoliquito accepted on his behalf. Santoliquito put Fernandez on speaker phone so he could hear the remarks and applause from the crowd.
Undefeated Lucia “The Dutch Destroyer” Rijker was unable to attend and sent a video from The Netherlands.
“I hope this message reaches you in great health. I miss America. I’ve been in The Netherlands for two years now. I hope to be able to come home soon and receive my ring just like all of you. I’m grateful to have been a fighter my whole life. I built my new career on all of the knowledge I gained as a combat artist and a champion in and outside the ring. I want to thank my trainers Freddie Roach and Emanuel Steward. I want to thank all my managers, assistant trainers, promoters and also the fighters that gave me an opportunity to fight on their undercard or, like James Toney, to be able to go to training camp with you. I wish you all a beautiful evening. I salute you and respect all of you greatly. Thank you.”
Promoter Lou DiBella said, ““Boxing has been such a tremendous part of my life and created so many opportunities for me. I’ve gotten to meet some of the most amazing people on earth, not bad for a niche sport. Our niche sport is huge.Our sport is different and we’re more relatable. We’re a microcosm of the real world because everyone must fight, whether it’s our internal demons or for our kids. I’ve been a critic of this sport, but that’s because I love boxing. I love it like a brother or a sister that you know can do better. I love boxing."
Journalist Thomas Hauser commented, “I’m indebted to every boxer who has let me in their dressing room in the hours before he fought so I could chronicle the night for history… I’d like to acknowledge the promoters, trainers, managers, matchmakers, ring doctors, television executives, announcers, fellow writers and all the others in the boxing community who have been so generous in sharing their knowledge with me. It’s an honor to be associated with boxing.”
Promoter Kathy Duva, who joins her husband Dan and father-in-law Lou in the Hall, said, “I never imaged something like this would happen to me…I want to shout out my staff past and present and thank my dear friends and some special members of my family. The last and most important thank you I have to give is to my beautiful children Nicole, Lisa and Ryan. You didn’t have it easy...The only thing I’m more proud of than being inducted into this Hall of Fame is being being able to say I’m your mother.”
The Class of 2020 included the HERtoric first class of female boxers to be honored.
Trailblazer Barbara Buttrick took her place in the Hall, stating. “I’ve waited 75 years to make this speech! Look at what women’s boxing has become. It’s truly amazing. I’ve been asked many times what was I trying to prove. Nothing. I was asked what I was fighting for. Respect. To see these fantastic women boxers around me represents everything I ever dreamed of. I’m so proud.”
“The Coal Miner’s Daughter” Christy Martin, who celebrated her birthday on Induction Day, said, “I want to thank the Hall of Fame for all of the work it takes to get this done. When I was at the Hall of Fame in 1996 I remember looking at the guys like Marvin Hagler and Aaron Pryor and I said, you know all these boxing brothers up here are going to need a boxing sister one day. Well, guess what? Here’s your sister! I’m very honored to be that sister to all these legends.”
Mexico’s legendary four-division world champion “Dinamita” Juan Manuel Marquez stated, “I want to congratulate all of the Boxing Hall of Famers. This is for my family, for boxing fans, especially the Mexican and Latino fans. Thank you.”
Three-division champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley acknowledged the moment, “It just hit me about 20 minutes ago…I’m being inducted into the Hall of Fame! My father was the first to recognize that there was a champion on the way. For the love of my family, I fought so hard. It was like when I went into the ring, I’m fighting for them. It wasn’t just me in there. This ring means so much to me.”
Philadelphia’s two-division champion, Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins was joined by his son Bernard III and referee Rudy Battle, whom he credited with his belief in him.
“Rudy Battle refereed my first championship fight and gave me my first job. Thank you Rudy. Rudy, we’re in the Hall of Fame,” said Hopkins.
Battle added, “I’d like to personally congratulate you on your induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. It is a pleasure to share in this historic moment in your life.”
“One last thing, I pay good money for my son to go to private school so he doesn’t do what I did. This is my ring. Today is my son’s birthday so I’m going let him hold the ring until tomorrow. Son, this is a lesson. I’m going to let you hold it because it’s your born day. I’m also not going to let you keep it. Why? Because things are earned, not given,” said Hopkins.
CLASS OF 2021
Jackie Tonawanda’s cousin Joan Skeeter, Freddie Brown’s grandson Richard Zuckerman, George Kimball’s brother Peter Kimball and Jay Larkin’s sons Ryan and Gabriel all accepted Hall of Fame honors for their loved ones.
Heavyweight champion and fighting pride of Ukraine “Dr. Steelhammer” Wladimir Klitscho was unable to attend due to the conflict in Ukraine and offered acceptance remarks via video.
“Thank you fans and officials for the recognition…I never dreamed of getting that far in the sport especially being among all the respected champions in the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Amazing and a huge honor. Unfortunately the Russian aggression in my home country Ukraine and the war has prevented me from sharing in person this ceremony with you…This war has changed not just me but the entire world.I also remember how boxing has changed my life. Boxing just made me a better person, period…Love you all. Keep on punching and cheers from Kyiv.”
The first physician elected in the Hall of Fame, Dr. Margaret Goodman said, “I’m so proud to be here. And not just for myself but for the ring physicians that came before me. I want to thank the International Boxing Hall of Fame.”
Trailblazing female boxer Marian Trimiar recited a poem to express her gratitude on receiving boxing’s highest honor. After her remarks, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman surprised “Lady Tyger’ by presenting here with the famous green WBC championship belt to symbolize her 1979-81 lightweight title reign.
An exuberant Trimiar exclaimed, “I want to thank you all of you. I love you.”
Austin, TX’s hard punching Ann Wolfe accepted her gold Hall of Fame ring with heartfelt remarks. “After spending three days with everyone on stage, for the first time in my life I feel like an equal. This has been a long time coming.”
Laila “She Bee Stingin’” Ali, who now joins her father Muhammad in the Hall of Fame becoming the only father / daughter enshrined said, “Thank you all for being here. It’s truly an honor to be in the International Boxing Hall of Fame with my father. Without him there would be no me. All of that confidence he had got passed down to me. I want to thank my beautiful family. Thank you.”
Undefeated two–division champion Andre “S.O.G.” Ward remarked, “I’ve been retired five years and almost every day the sport is trying to pull me back. But every day that I stay gone from the sport is another day that I win. If I stick to my word and leave my legacy the way it is, I assure that boxing never defeats me. All the fighters on this stage live with extreme criticism and praise. Some people love you, some don’t. But one thing I do know when you make it here to Canastota, NY and you’re sitting on stage with great champions – male and female – the debate is over!”
Introduced by Jimmy Lennon Jr., undefeated five-division champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather stated, “I’ve done a lot in my career but this is by far the best. I’m glad we were able to make it here safe. Thank you for supporting the sport of boxing and these legendary champions...I dominated the sport for 20 years straight. I want to thank the International Boxing Hall of Fame for giving me this (HOF ring). This is going to my dad because he deserves it. My dad earned this ring. Thank you to everyone for your support. Everybody that is on this stage deserves go into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.”
CLASS OF 2022
Journalist Ron Borges said, , “Through all these years watching all these fighters I never felt like I worked a day in my life. I know this would not have happened without the readers and viewers listening to what I had to say about his most confounding but thrilling sport. Thanks, of course, to the fighters for giving me the opportunity to tell their story.”
Historian / producer Bob Yalen stated, “I’d like thank the Hall of Fame for this unbelievable honor. I’ve been blessed with an amazing and wonderful family. I’ve loved boxing for almost 50 year and I’m sure I’ll love it for the rest of my days. This is a day I will cherish forever.”
Veteran publicist Bill Caplan, who has been in boxing for six decades, emotionally stated, “What has everybody been talking about and what do we have in common? Family. Thank you, family. I love you.”
Germany’s “Dangerous Lady” Regina Halmich said, “I am a long way from Germany. After three days I love being here. The people are friendly and lovely and nice. Here in Canastota you can feel the heart of boxing. This is the biggest honor for me. I never gave up working and fighting for women’s recognition in the boxing business. Thank you to my family, friends and everyone who helped me to be a champion. And now, I’m a Hall of Famer! Thank you America.”
“The Preacher’s Daughter” Holly Holm credited the loyalty of her family and team, stating,“My parents always encouraged me to follow my dreams. I’ll tell you right now, I’ve been surrounded by people who only wanted the best for me with very selfless love and support. I don’t see this as my Hall of Fame ring, but a joint effort. Thank you.”
James “Lights Out” Toney singled out his family for their support, saying, “I can’t believe I’m finally here! I want to thank everybody and the most important person, my mom Sherry Toney. We did it! My wife and children. We did it. I love you all. Thank you very much.”
Four division champion Roy Jones Jr. said, “This is just such a beautiful thing to have so many amazing athletes on stage and in the audience. It is a night I will never forget. I want to thank my father for getting me started in boxing, Laila’s father for inspiring me and my family for supporting everything I do.”
“Last but not least, I came into this thing entertaining y’all and I’m about to leave this thing entertaining y’all.”
Jones Jr. proceeded to give one of the most memorable moments in induction history as he rapped a few verses from his hit “Y’all Must’ve Forgot” that had fans and inductees alike moving in their seats.
The fighting pride of Puerto Rico, Miguel Cotto concluded the trilogy ceremony by graciously accepting Hall of Fame honors, saying, “Thank you everybody for being here and for the support. Thank you to all of the champions and everyone involved in this award.”
Among the boxing stars on hand for the weekend celebration were Hall of Fame alumni Al Bernstein, Nigel Collins, Oscar De La Hoya, Julian Jackson, Jimmy Lennon Jr., Freddie Roach and Michael Spinks.
Other special guests in attendance included Billy Backus, Iran Barkley, Terence Crawford, Sebastian Fundora, Reggie Johnson, Junior Jones, Sean O’Grady, Shawn Porter, Marlon Starling and Antonio Tarver.
The Grand Marshal of the 2022 Parade of Champions was Canastota’s beloved manager / trainer/ promoter / restaurateur Tony Graziano, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.
WEEKEND NOTES:
FIGHT NIGHT AT TURNING STONE – Turning Stone Resort Casino in nearby Verona, NY hosted an exciting night of professional boxing promoted by Hall of Famer Lou DiBella. The ShoBox: The New Generation show was televised live on SHOWTIME and saw heavyweight contender Bakhodir Jalalov score a sensational 8th round knockout to raise his record to 11-0, 11 KOs.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION – James Toney, Marian “Lady Tyger” Trimiar, Christy Martin, Ann Wolfe and Andre Ward were among Hall of Famers who had television crews chronicling them throughout the weekend for documentaries or special programs to be aired at a later date.
IN THIS CORNER – For the fifth year, James “Smitty” Smith, host of the popular In This Corner TV boxing interview show and podcast, handled emcee duties for the weekend. “Smitty” hosted the “Ringside Lecture” question and answer sessions held on the Museum Grounds each day where fans had the unique opportunity to ask champions questions directly. The long-time radio and TV broadcaster also emceed Saturday evening’s Banquet of Champions and introduced the celebrity guests at the Official Induction Ceremony.
SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM THE COAL MINER’S DAUGHTER- County Music Hall of Famer, the iconic “Coal Miner’s Daughter” Loretta Lynn, who recently celebrated her 90th birthday, surprised boxing’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter” Christy Martin with a special congratulations message that was played at the Banquet of Champions. The legendary singer also gifted Martin an autographed boxing glove.
HIGH SCHOOL AMBASSADORS - The Canastota school district introduced a leadership program last fall and 30 high school students worked since September learning skills including communications, event planning, hospitality, professional image and marketing. They took the classroom lessons and put them to real world use by volunteering as “Event Ambassadors” at the gift shop, raffle, silent and live auctions and membership booth during Hall of Fame Weekend.
CHRISTY MARTIN MEETS WITH STUDENTS- The “Coal Miner’s Daughter” Christy Martin was the featured guest at a special assembly for junior high and high school students at the Canastota High School auditorium. The 2020 inductee graciously answered questions about her career, offered advice about never giving up on your dreams and posed for photos and signed autographs for the appreciative students.
KAY HAGLER & BRENDA SPINKS – This year marked the first Hall of Fame Weekend since the passing of Hall of Fame middleweight champion Marvelous Marvin Hagler and 1976 Olympic gold medalist and heavyweight champion Leon Spinks, both of whom attended countless Hall of Fame Weekends. The Hall was honored to have their wives, Kay Hagler and Brenda Spinks, in Canastota to be part of the Hall of Fame Weekend.
ALSO IN ATTENDANCE for the 2022 Hall of Fame Weekend festivities were WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, WBO president Paco Valcarcel, promoter Tuto Zabala Jr., referees Kenny Bayless, Tony Weeks, Robert Byrd, Robert Hoyle, Russell Mora, Wes Melton, Mark Nelson, Jack Reiss and Pat Russell, former women’s champions Eva Jones-Young and Sumya Anani.
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CLASS OF 2020 - Duva, Hauser, Buttrick, Martin, DiBella,
Hopkins, Mosley & Marquez
CLASS OF 2021 - Mayweather, Goodman, Wolfe,
Trimiar, Ward, Ali
CLASS OF 2022 - Toney, Yalen, Borges, Halmich,
Holm, Caplan, Jones Jr., Cotto
