Flags at Half-Staff for Bob Foster

International Boxing Hall of Fame 1 Hall of Fame Drive Canastota, NY 13032 P: 315.697.7095 F: 315.697.5356

HALL OF FAME FLIES FLAGS AT HALF-STAFF FOR

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION BOB FOSTER

CANASTOTA, NY - NOVEMBER 22, 2015 - The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced its flags will fly at half-staff in memory of light heavyweight champion Bob Foster, who passed away yesterday in Albuquerque. He was 76.

“Bob Foster was a truly great light heavyweight champion and one of the most devastating punchers in boxing history,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “The Hall of Fame joins the worldwide boxing community in mourning his passing and offer our condolences to his entire family.”

The fighting pride of Albuquerque, NM, Foster turned pro in 1961. With a 79 inch reach and one of the best left hooks in boxing, the 6-foot-3 Foster began a steady march to the light heavyweight title. He captured the championship in 1968 with a 4th round knockout over Hall of Famer Dick Tiger. An impressive string of 14 successful defenses followed including wins over Vicente Rondon, Mike Quarry, Chris Finnegan and Pierre Fourie. Foster retired in 1978 with a pro record of 56-8-1 (46 KOs). After hanging up the gloves he had a long career in law enforcement in Albuquerque.

In 1990 Foster was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Below please find photos of Foster during his many visits to Canastota.

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1990 HOF Inductee Bob Foster

Bob Foster shares a laugh with fellow HOFer Muhammad Ali at the 1990 Banquet of Champions

(left to right) Carmen Basilio, Archie Moore and Bob Foster at the 1990 HOF Induction Ceremony

Foster delivers his Induction speech in 1990.

Foster poses by his plaque on the Hall of Fame Wall during one of his many return visits to Canastota

Click on images below for a larger view