30.04.04 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced that legendary entertainer Tony Orlando has been named grand marshal of the 15th Annual Boxing Hall of Fame Parade of Champions scheduled for Sunday, June 13th at 1 p.m. “The Hall of Fame is extremely excited about welcoming Tony Orlando to Canastota,'” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “He’s an avid boxing fan and it’ll be a thrill to have him participate in the Weekend festivities with all of the legends of the game and the fans from around the world.”
As the lead singer of Tony Orlando and Dawn, Orlando amassed a string of smash hits including Candida, Knock Three Times, He Don’t Love You (Like I Love You), Sweet Gypsy Rose and the celebrated Tie a Yellow Ribbon ‘Round The Ole Oak Tree. In addition to millions of records sold worldwide, Orlando was the recipient of three American Music Awards and the star of the weekly CBS variety series titled “Tony Orlando and Dawn” from 1974-1976. Now a popular headliner in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Reno and other venues across the country, Orlando received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1990.
“This is a great honor to be grand marshal of the parade. The Boxing Hall of Fame is an amazing place. The great champions who attend each year were childhood heroes of mine. I’m honored and proud to be part of this incredible Hall of Fame year,” said Orlando.
The Parade of Champions, set for Sunday, June 13th at 1:00 p.m., will pass through the streets of Canastota and lead to the grounds of the Hall of Fame Museum prior to the start of the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the new class of inductees.
The Hall of Fame Weekend will feature over 20 exciting events. Living inductees to be honored include super featherweight champion Azumah Nelson, welterweight champion Carlos Palomino, light heavyweight champion Dwight Muhammad Qawi, super bantamweight champion Daniel Zaragoza, referee Stanley Christodoulou, promoter Russell Peltz, and journalist W.C. Heinz. Posthumous inductees will also be honored.
Over 50 boxing stars, including Carmen Basilio, Aaron Pryor, Angelo Dundee, Leon Spinks, “Buster” Douglas, and Danny “Little Red” Lopez among others are scheduled to participate in weekend festivities.
“With the lineup of marching bands, boxing celebrities, and now Tony Orlando, this should be our biggest parade ever and an unforgettable day for all,” said parade chairperson Charlene Barres.
For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 15th Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095.