Spinks, Shavers, Morrison & Ward To Attend Int´l Boxing Hall of Fame

Legendary boxing writer/historian Bert Sugar to serve as event emcee

12.08 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame, Canastota, New York, announced today former heavyweight champ Leon Spinks, 1970s heavyweight contender Earnie Shavers, heavyweight standout Tommy "The Duke" Morrison, junior welterweight star "Irish" Micky Ward, and former welterweight champ Tony DeMarco will be guests at a "Night of Champions" fund-raiser at LANTANA in Randolph, MA, on Thursday, October 9, 2003. Bert Sugar, one of boxing's foremost writers and historians, will emcee the evening's festivities.

"The Hall of Fame is very excited about hosting a 'Night of Champions' in the Boston area for the second time. Boston is a tremendous fight city with great fans so this promises to be an unforgettable night for all," said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. "The Hall of Fame's mission is to preserve boxing's history and fund-raisers such as this will allow us to continue doing just that."

The evening will run from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and consist of a cash bar, buffet, silent auction, autograph and photograph opportunities and a program featuring speeches by the celebrity guests.

A 1976 Olympic Gold Medalist, Spinks defeated Muhammad Ali in 1978 to win the world heavyweight title in only his 8th pro bout. One of boxing’s most colorful personalities, "Neon" Leon engaged in bouts with Larry Holmes, Scott LeDoux, Tex Cobb and Dwight Qawi among others during his career.

Considered by many as the hardest puncher in heavyweight history, Shavers was a top heavyweight contender of the1970s. During his career he compiled an impressive 73-14-1 (67KOs) record and challenged both Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes in title bouts. Shavers registered wins over Jimmy Young, Jimmy Ellis and Ken Norton among others.

A relative of John Wayne, Morrison was an exciting fighter with knockout power. "The Duke" scored wins over "Quick" Tillis, Pinklon Thomas, Joe Hipp, Carl Williams, Razor Ruddock and George Foreman, whom he decisioned for the WBO heavyweight title in 1993. He also starred opposite Sylvester Stallone in "Rocky V." Morrison's career record stands at 46-3-1 (40KOs).

Fighting out of Lowell, MA, Ward recently retired from the ring following his last contest, a hard-fought loss to rival Arturo Gatti in the third bout of their epic trilogy. During his 18-year career, the always-exciting Ward posted a 38-13 (27KOs) record that includes victories over Gatti, Shea Neary, Reggie Green and Emanuel Burton.

In 1955 Boston's Tony DeMarco defeated Johnny Saxton via 14th round TKO for the welterweight title. Also that year he engaged in two classic wars with Carmen Basilio, with their second battle named "Fight of the Year." DeMarco's record reads 58-12-1 (33KOs) and includes wins over Paddy DeMarco, Kid Gavilan, Chico Vejar, and Gaspar Ortega among others.

Known for his trademark hat and cigar, Bert Sugar has been editor of The Ring, Boxing Illustrated and Fight Game magazines. The author of over 50 books, Sugar has also appeared in several motion pictures and television programs, including Play it to the Bone, Night and the City, The Great White Hype, and HBO’s Arliss.

Tickets are $75 per person or $750 per table and can be purchased by calling event chairperson Mike Vellano at 508-580-2445, Tony Vellano at 518-356-3473 or the Boxing Hall of Fame at 315-697-7095. Only a limited number of tickets will be available. All proceeds will benefit the Boxing Hall of Fame.