The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced its flags will fly at half-staff in memory of two-time junior welterweight champion Eddie Perkins. He passed away at home last evening surrounded by his family. He was 75.
Born March 3, 1937 in Clarksdale, Mississippi, Perkins moved to Chicago when he was just a year old. Perkins compiled a 26-10 amateur record before turning pro in 1956.. Under the managerial eye of Hall of Famer Johnny Coulon, Perkins developed a crafty boxer / puncher style. In 1961 and 1962 he engaged in a trilogy with Italy’s Duilio Loi that saw Perkins draw, win and lose in junior welterweight title bouts. In 1963 he regained the title with a 15-round win over the Philippines’ Roberto Cruz. He defended his title in Japan and Jamaica before losing a disputed decision to Carlos Hernandez. A true world champion, Perkins fought in over 20 countries. During his career Perkins met the top junior welter and welterweights, including Jose Napoles (L 10), Kenny Lane (W 12), Nicolino Locche (L 10), Clyde Gray (W 10) and Angel Espada (W 10) among others before retiring in 1975 with a 74-20-2, 2 NC (21 KOs) record.
“Eddie Perkins was a globe-trotting world champion. In the ring he was a gifted defensive fighter with terrific boxing skills,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “The Hall of Fame joins the boxing community in mourning his passing.”
In 2008, Perkins was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
“TERRIBLE” TERRY NORRIS TO RETURN TO CANASTOTA FOR 2012 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND
Hall of Fame Weekend June 7-10th
CANASTOTA, NY – MAY 11, 2012 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today Hall of Famer “Terrible” Terry Norris will return to Canastota to attend festivities planned for the 23rd Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend set for June 7-10th.
Terry Norris
“Terry Norris was a tremendous world champion with lightning quick hands and knockout power,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “He’s a real fan favorite and we’re looking forward to welcoming him back to Canastota.”
Born in Lubbock, TX, Norris turned pro in 1986 following a brief amateur career. As a pro he reigned three times as WBC junior middleweight champion (1990-93, 1994, 1995-97) and also held the IBF title (1995-97). During his championship career he scored wins over John “The Beast” Mugabi, Donald Curry, Meldrick Taylor, Maurice Blocker, Simon Brown and Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard. Norris retired in 1998 with a pro ledger of 47-9 (31 KOs). In 2005 Norris was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Events planned for the weekend include a banquet, a heavyweight bash, parade, golf tournament, boxing autograph card show, cocktail party and the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 2012. Living inductees to be honored at the Official Induction Ceremony on Sunday, June 10th are multi-division champion Thomas “Hitman” Hearns, two-division champion Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson, “Let’s Get Ready To Rumble” ring announcer Michael Buffer, trainer Freddie Roach, broadcaster Al Bernstein and journalist Michael Katz. Posthumous inductees will also be honored.
An impressive list of over 40 boxing greats from the United States and abroad are scheduled to participate in weekend festivities.
For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 23rd Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095, visit online at www.ibhof.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InternationalBoxingHallofFame and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BoxingHall.