CANASTOTA, NY –MARCH 23, 2011 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame will host the 22nd Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend in Canastota, New York on June 9-12th. With many exciting events planned, there will be something for everyone in “Boxing’s Hometown.”
With less than 80 days remaining before the bell rings to kick off Hall of Fame Weekend festivities, the Hall’s staff and team of volunteers in Canastota are busy planning details for the celebration. According to Hall officials, nearly 300 volunteers and many community organizations will contribute their time and effort to make the annual Induction Weekend a success.
“The Hall of Fame Weekend is an opportunity for everyone who loves boxing to celebrate the spirit of the sport in ‘Boxing’s Hometown,’” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “Canastota looks forward to again hosting boxing’s highlight weekend of the year.”
Events planned for the weekend include a banquet, Mexican Fiesta Night, parade, golf tournament, boxing autograph card show, cocktail party and the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 2011. Living inductees to be honored at the Official Induction Ceremony on Sunday, June 12th are three-division champion Julio Cesar Chavez (Mexico), junior welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu (Russia / Australia), heavyweight champion Mike Tyson (USA), trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain (Mexico), referee Joe Cortez (USA) and screenwriter Sylvester Stallone (USA). Posthumous inductees will also be honored.
Tickets for all events are moving quickly and capacity crowds are again anticipated for June.
“Boxing fans from throughout the United States and Canada and as far away as Australia, England, Ireland, Mexico and Scotland have already reserved tickets and made hotel accommodations for the weekend,” said Brophy.
An impressive list of over 40 boxing greats from the United States and abroad will participate in weekend festivities.
For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 22nd Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095 or visit www.ibhof.com.