CANASTOTA, NY – APRIL 16, 2007 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today former world heavyweight champion James “Buster” Douglas will attend festivities planned for the 18th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend set for June 7-10th. “James “Buster” Douglas shocked the boxing world to become heavyweight champion,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “We’re excited about welcoming him to Canastota for the first time.” ..
A native of Columbus, Ohio, “Buster” Douglas turned pro in 1981. Following wins over Randall “Tex” Cobb, Dave Jaco, and former heavyweight champion Greg Page, he challenged Tony Tucker for the IBF heavyweight title on May 30, 1987. Although unsuccessful in his first bid for the title (TKO by 10), he rebounded to record wins over Trevor Berbick and Oliver McCall before meeting undisputed heavyweight champion “Iron” Mike Tyson in Tokyo, Japan on February 11, 1990 for the world title. Douglas, a decided underdog (42-1), became the first man to defeat Tyson when he scored a 10th round kayo to capture the title in one of the biggest upsets in heavyweight boxinghistory. Douglas retired in 1990, but returned to the ring for a comeback in 1996. In 1999 he hung up the gloves again with a professional record of 38-6-1 (25KOs).
The June 7-10th Hall of Fame Induction Weekend will feature over 20 exciting events including a banquet, parade, boxing autograph card show, cocktail party, and the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 2007. Living inductees to be honored at the Official Induction Ceremony on Sunday, June 10th are four-division world champions Roberto “Hands of Stone” Duran and Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker, two-division champion Ricardo “Finito” Lopez, trainer Amilcar Brusa, administrator Jose Sulaiman and artist LeRoy Neiman. Posthumous inductees will also be honored.
Over 50 boxing stars, including Ken Norton, Angelo Dundee, Emile Griffith, Alexis Arguello, Gene Fullmer, Jose Torres, Micky Ward, Iran Barkley, and Carmen Basilio are scheduled to participate in weekend festivities.
For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 18th Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095 or visit www.ibhof.com.