By Jimmy Ayash

The International boxing Hall of Fame Celebrates and memorializes the greatest boxers, pioneers, managers, coaches and observers in the history rich sport of Boxing. The boxing Hall of Fame is located in Canastota, New York and is celebrating it’s 30th anniversary this year.

I believe every boxing fan should make it a goal to visit the International Boxing Hall of Fame. The Hall is beautifully set up in three large open rooms  encompassing  so much memorabilia from the boxing greats it’ll have you in awe the whole time as you wonder the museum. There is also a larger second building / pavilion wish houses the over 80 year old Madison Square Garden Boxing Ring which held so many memorable fights it would take an entire book to list them all. Also in the building is a huge gift shop filled with gift items and memorabilia that is sure to fascinate all boxing fans.

The boxing Hall of Fame currently has 450 members: (Modern- 133)(Old-Timers – 126)(Pioneer – 42)(Non-Participant- 109)(Observer – 40)

Modern boxers (Last bout no earlier than 1989)
“Moderns” enshrined 1990 to 2014 were elected under original criteria: Last bout no earlier than 1943.

Beginning with the election of the Class of 2015, ”Moderns” are elected under the following criteria: Last bout no earlier than 1989.

Old-Timer (Last bout no earlier than 1893; no later than 1988) “Old Timers” enshrined 1990 to 2014 were elected under original criteria: Last bout no earlier than 1893: no later than 1942.

Beginning with the election of the Class of 2015, “Old Timers” will be extended to 1988 (1893-1988). The Old Timer category will now be divided into two different eras: “Early” era – Last bout no earlier than 1893; no later than 1942 And “Late” era – Last bout no earlier than 1943; no later than 1988

Pioneer (Last bout in or prior to 1892)

Non- Participant (Those who have made contributions to the sport apart from roles as boxers or observers. Based upon a candidates achievements and contributions in their particular field)

Observer (Print and media journalists, publishers, writers, historians, photographers and artists)

The International Boxing Hall of Fame has there induction weekend every June. This year‘s 30th anniversary class induction will be held from June 6-9 and is sure to be another terrific event as many of the hall of famers get involved in many of the four day festivities to the boxing’s fans delight.

The International Boxing Hall of Fame class of 2019 are Julian “The Hawk” Jackson, James “Buddy” McGirt, Donald “Line Star Cobra” Curry, Tony DeMarco, Teddy Atlas, Don Elbaum, Guy Jutras and Lee Samuels.

The International Boxing Hall of Fame is a  marvelous wonder for all boxing fans.

Photo’s courtesy of Sammy Ayash/ Boxing Action Magazine