By Tri Nguyen: The International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Class of 2011 will be remembered as the most star-studded class in history. Many current alumni of this exclusive club came out to pay tribute to the newly inducted members and to witness history.
This reporter spoke to several members of the security team the day of the ceremony and was told the crowd was estimated at greater than 25,000, despite the torrential downpours that fortunately ended by mid-morning. That’s more than twice the number that usually come to the annual induction celebration. The star power of the most notorious fighter in history (Tyson), the greatest Mexican fighter in history (Chavez), and the greatest action hero in Hollywood history (Stallone) culminated in a great day for boxing fans. Here are some notable moments from the event:
- A few of boxing’s royalty that rarely make public appearances were in attendance, including Jose Sulaiman, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Jake LaMotta, Aaron Pryor, Gene Fullmer, Azumah Nelson, and Carmen Basilio
- Mike Tyson got so emotional during his speech that he cut it short. When the other inductees spoke, people casually listened. When Tyson got to the podium, EVERYONE’S eyes and ears were glued to him
- Nacho Beristain mentioned that his son, who died in 1979 at an early age, was always with him in spirit. His daughter was translating for him and could barely control her emotions
- Heated rivals from years past found themselves sharing a stage, including Tszyu/Chavez, Carbajal/Gonzales, Don King/Bob Arum, and Azumah Nelson/Jesse James Leija
- Sylvester Stallone made a brief appearance to accept his induction surrounded by a large group of bodyguards. He ended his acceptance speech screaming "Yo Adrian!!" at the top of his lungs to the delight of the crowd
Additional photos can be seen at
tringuyenimages.comJune 16, 2011
