NEW YORK (March 29, 2016) – The fifth annual New York State Boxing Hall of Fame (NYSBHOF) induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8, will be held this Sunday afternoon (April 3 – 12:30-5:30 p.m.) at Russo’s On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.
Randy Gordon: “What a journey this has been from boxing fan to boxing writer…to boxing announcer…to boxing commissioner…to boxing promoter…to boxing talk show host….to the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame. If I’m dreaming, I don’t want to wake up!”
Dennis Rappaport: “It is with the utmost pleasure and profound appreciation to be inducted into the NYSBHOF with such a class of distinguished honorees. At the age of six, I watched my first fight between Jake LaMotta and Gene Harston. I was so captivated and mesmerized by the sport that it began my 63 year love affair with boxing. From the bottom of my heat, I would like to thank each and every member of the boxing fraternity for a lifetime filled with magical moments and unforgettable memories.”
Ed Brophy: “This is a wonderful honor that truly caught me by surprise. I am humbled by this acknowledgement and thank the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.”
Joe DeGuardia: “I am honored to be recognized and included among the past and present boxing luminaries inducted into the prestigious New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.”
Each inductee will receive a custom-designed belt signifying his induction into the NYSBHOF. Plaques are on display at the New York State Athletic Commission.
The 2016 inductees were selected by the NYSBHOF nominating committee members: Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Don Majeski, Henry Hascup, Ron McNair, Angelo Prospero and Neil Terens.
All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years in order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees must have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers or during the prime of their respective career.
CLASS of 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Sugar” Ray Robinson, Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Nat Fleischer, Bill Gallo and Arthur Mercante, Sr.
CLASS of 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Buddy” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry Merchant, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Tex Rickard and Don Dunphy.
CLASS OF 2014: Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Gene Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D’Amato, William Muldoon and Tom O’Rourke.
CLASS OF 2015: Saoul Mamby, Joey Giambra, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Charley Goldman, Jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon and Al Weill.
Limited tickets are still available, priced at $150.00 per adult and $60.00 for children (under 16), which includes a complete brunch and cocktail hour upon entry, starting at 12:30 p.m. ET, as well as dinner (prime rib, fish or poultry) and open bar throughout the event. Tickets are available to purchase by calling NYSBHOF/Ring 8 president Bob Duffy at 516.313.2304. Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.