Former heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson, Mexican boxing legend, Julio Cesar Chavez, and actor, Sylvester Stallone, are the biggest names among the list of inductees for the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, NY this year.
Mike Tyson, the youngest fighter ever to win the world heavyweight title, brought massive attention to the sport throughout his 20-year career and held on to world titles in two separate reigns: From his 1986 KO of Trevor Berbick until his shocking upset loss to James “Buster” Douglas in 1990 and, following a 4-year incarceration for sexual assault, from his KO win over Frank Bruno in 1996 until his TKO loss against Evander Holyfield 8 months and one successful defense later. Tyson would be the recognized, unified champ for 3 full years (from ’87 to ’90) and end his career with a record of 55-6, 44 KOs.
Julio Cesar Chavez is regarded by many as the greatest, most accomplished Mexican boxer of all time. Chavez held world titles at super featherweight and lightweight, engaging in some classic battles with the likes of Edwin Rosario, Rocky Lockridge, and Juan LaPorte, but is more famous for his title reigns at jr. welterweight, which spanned 5 years the first time, 2 years the second reign, and included a total of 16 successful title defenses. Chavez’s final record is: 107-6-2, 86 KOs.
Also to be inducted:
* Former jr. welterweight champ, Kostya Tszyu
* Trainer, Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain
* Referee Joe Cortez
* Actor/Screenwriter, Sylvester Stallone, for service to the sport via his Rocky movie series.
* Also: 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 broadcaster Harry Carpenter.
Hall of Fame induction will take place June 12th Canastota, NY.
For info on how you can be a part of the festivities and rub elbows with the greats of yesterday, today, and tomorrow during the Hall of Fame Induction Weekend (June 9-12), Check out the IBHOF’s Official Website.
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