They had well over 500 people in attendance and everyone went home with a smile on their faces.

Mike Tyson, Bernard Hopkins, Ray Mercer, Chuck Wepner, Larry Hazzard, Harold Lederman were among thos who attended. Tyson must have signed autographs with everyone and he also took pictures with anyone who wanted too, including most the the honorees and the young New Jersey Diamond Glove Champions.

The New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame hosted their 44th Annual Dinner and Induction Ceremonies at the Venetian in Garfield, New Jersey on Thursday evening. Among the honorees were “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler, Mike Tyson, Ray Mercer, Bernard Fernandez, Joe Gatti, Gabe LaConte, Julie Lederman, Sal Lopez, Carl Moretti, Barbara Perez, Frank Savannah and Otha Tyson. “Boxer of the Year” of the year was NABO jr middleweight champion Glen Tapia.

Also honored posthumously were referee J. Harry Ertle and boxer Carlos Hernandez. For more than 15 years J. Harry Ertle refereed over 1,000 bouts, including the Jack Dempsey-Georges Carpentier world title match in 1921. Carlos Hernandez was a hard nosed journeyman that fought several heavyweight big names during the 80′s, such as George Foreman, Smokin’ Bert Copper and Donovan “Razor” Ruddock.

Here’s a picture of all our New Jersey Diamond Glove Champions with Mike Tyson at the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame Induction and Award Ceremonies last night in Garfield. From the left Jahbril Jaurengui, Jonathan Serrano, Willie Harvey James Jr., Akheim Nurse, Kenyon Sessoms, Mike Tyson, Rocco Salimbene, Hakim Bryant and Tayvon Fish.

The following pictures were taken by Stan Janousek  (professional fight name Stanley Yanachek)

Mike Tyson being Inducted by Larry Hazzard

Bernard Fernandez being Inducted by Bernard Hopkins

Joe Gatti being Inducted by Mario Costa and Mike Tyson

Julie Lederman being Inducted by her father Harold.

Joe Gatti being Inducted by Mario Costa and Mike Tyson

Carl Moretti being Inducted by Keith Idec

Ray Mercer being Inducted by Peter Ziering

Poochie Hill was presented the award of Man of the Year by Larry Hazzard

Frank Savannah being Inducted by NJBHOF President Henry Hascup & State Commissioner Aaron Davis

Sal Lopez being Inducted by Ron Marvo and Sal Jr.

Amateur Official of the year Barry Hyman with the Chief of Officials Richie Perez

2 time Amateur Boxer of the Year and Multi-Time National Champion Leroy Davila

Amateur Boxer of the Year Michael Hilton

Family and friends of Gabe LaConte who could not attend

The 2 sons of J. Harry Ertle, who refereed the 1st million dollar gate back in 1921 accepting the award

Barbara Perez being Inducted bu her husband and former World Class referee Tony Perez

Family of Carlos Hernandez with Mike Tyson

Amateur Boxer of the Year and National Golden Glove Champion Ayesha Green with Mike Tyson

National Junior Olympic Coach of the Year Willie “Wali” Moses with his grandson the World Junior Olympic Champion, Shakur Stevenson

World Junior Olympic Champion, Shakur Stevenson with Mike Tyson

Just click onto any picture to make it larger!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Photos by Tom Casino