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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
BOXING HALL OF FAME OFFERS FREE ADMISSION TO CELEBRATE
40th ANNIVERSARY OF ALI – FRAZIER “FIGHT OF THE CENTURY”
Four days of free admission beginning March 5th
MARCH 3, 2011 - March 8, 2011 will mark the 40th anniversary of the historic “Fight of the Century” between Hall of Famers Muhammad Ali and Smokin’ Joe Frazier that took place at Madison Square Garden on March 8, 1971. To commemorate this landmark occasion, the Hall of Fame is offering free admission to all visitors from March 5 - 8th.
“Boxing fans visiting the Museum often recall where they were when Ali and Frazier fought for the first time,” said Hall of Fame Director Ed Brophy. “That fight captured the excitement of sports fans around the world.”
In one of the greatest fights in boxing history, Frazier scored a 15 round decision to retain the world heavyweight championship and become the first man to defeat Ali.
Known as “The Greatest,” Ali is an Olympic gold medalist and three-time heavyweight champion His pro record of 56-5 (37 KOs) includes wins over Sonny Liston, Floyd Patterson, George Foreman, Leon Spinks and Frazier. He is a 1990 Hall of Fame Inductee.
Philadelphia’s “Smokin’” Joe captured gold at the 1964 Olympic Games and was world heavyweight champion, 1970-73. He posted a 32-4-1 (27 KOs) record with wins over Oscar Bonavena, Jerry Quarry, Jimmy Ellis and George Chuvalo. He is a 1990 Hall of Fame Inductee.
The world famous ring that Ali and Frazier bravely fought in is now on permanent display in Canastota. The 82-year-old ring that was used at the “Mecca of Boxing” from 1925 to 2007 and was donated to the Hall by Madison Square Garden in 2007.
“Fans have the unique opportunity to get a close-up look at the legendary ring where the most famous fight in boxing history took place,” said Brophy.
In addition to the MSG ring, the Hall of Fame Museum offers unique and exciting exhibits of memorabilia, including fist castings, robes, boxing shoes, championship belts, statues, the Hall of Fame Wall and audio/visual stations highlighting classic boxing matches.
A not-for-profit organization, the International Boxing Hall of Fame opened to the public in 1989 in Canastota, New York and is located at Exit 34 of the New York State Thruway. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, please call the Hall of Fame at 315.697.7095.
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The world famous MSG boxing ring on permanent display
at the Boxing Hall of Fame
