Canastota, NY – Iron Mike Tyson will headline the class of 2011 inductees into the Boxing Hall of Fame. It was announced that Tyson would be inducted into the Hall of Fame at 1pm Tuesday afternoon by International Boxing Hall of Fame Executive Director Ed Brophy.
“Mike Tyson, next to Muhammad Ali, had more of an impact on boxing than any other boxer in history,” said 1996 Hall of Fame inductee Emanuel Steward. “He transcended boxing. He was probably on of the most crushing power punchers in history. He maximized his disadvantages in size with tremendous punching power and speed. Nobody neutralized height and size with speed better than Mike Tyson.”
The controversial star finished his boxing career with a 50-6 record with 44 knockouts including 19 straight to begin his professional boxing career.
“I am honored to be nominated in the International Boxing Hall of Fame,” said Tyson upon receiving the news he was inducted. “The sport of boxing has given me so much and it is truly a blessing to be acknowledged alongside other historical boxing legends, because they paved the way for me as I hope I have inspired others in this great sport.”
Julio Cesar Chavez, Kostya Tszyu, trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain, referee Joe Cortez, and screenwriter Slyvesyer Stallone round out the class of 2011.
“This is unbelievably great news! I’m actually speechless,” said Tszyu. “I can’t describe my feelings. My job was to make sure the people enjoyed themselves when they were watching me and I spent all of my life doing so. I still continue to be involved in boxing to this day because boxing has been so great to me. To be inducted next to Sugar Ray L3eonard, Muhammad Ali, Roberto Duran, and Jeff Fenech, who’s a good friend of mine, is a huge, huge honor.”
“I have no words to express how I am feeling,” added Ignacio “Nahco” Beristain. “This is one of the most emotional moments of my life. Thank you so much. I will proudly represent the International Boxing Hall of Fame.”
Julio Cesar Chavez was also thrilled by the news stating, “I am honored and I feel humble. At this moment in my life, to be inducted into the Hall of Fame is very special. I feel great to know that my name will be inscribed with the best of the best, to join some of my heroes and to leave a mark for my family and my country.”
Referee Joe Cortez added, “I’m very touched by this honor. It took a lot of years in boxing to get here, but I love the sport very much. This is the best award and it conuldn’t get any greater. The biggest award anyone in boxing – fighter or official – can receive is induction ino the most prestigious entity in boxing, the International Boxing Hall of Fame. This is the highlight of my career.”
The 2011 induction ceremony will take place from June 9-12th, 2011 at the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, NY.
Great article. Really useful. Thanks
Great article. Really useful. Thanks