Buster Douglas To Attend Hall of Fame Weekend

APRIL 9, 2003 - Former heavyweight champion of the world James "Buster" Douglas has been added to the list of celebrity guests for the Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend set for June 5-8th.

Fighting out of Columbus, Ohio, Douglas turned pro in 1981. After unsuccessfully challenging Tony Tucker for the IBF heavyweight title in 1987, he recorded wins over Trevor Berbick and Oliver McCall before being matched with heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. Douglas, a decided underdog, registered a major upset when he scored a 10th round kayo on February 11, 1990 to capture the title. He lost the crown to Evander Holyfield and retired before mounting a comeback in 1996. During his career, Douglas compiled a 38-6-1 (25KOs) record.

"Douglas scored one of the biggest upsets in boxing," said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. "Boxing fans will surely enjoy seeing him in Canastota for the first time."

The Hall of Fame Weekend will feature over 20 exciting events. Living inductees to be honored include welterweight king Curtis Cokes, 2-time heavyweight champion George Foreman, junior welterweight champion Nicolino Locche, 3-division champion Mike McCallum, journalist Jack Fiske and author/screenwriter Budd Schulberg. Posthumous inductees will also be honored.

Over 50 boxing stars, including Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Emile Griffith, Ken Buchanan, Earnie Shavers, George Chuvalo, Angelo Dundee, Aaron Pryor, Alexis Arguello, Carmen Basilio, Gene Fullmer, Tony DeMarco and Marlon Starling are scheduled to participate in weekend festivities.

For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 14th Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095.