“We’re extremely excited about the class of 2018 and are very much looking forward to paying tribute to the new inductees in Canastota next June,” said Executive Director Edward Brophy. He named the incoming inductees to the 2018 International Boxing Hall of Fame today for the June 7-10th event in Canastota, NY!
Leading the pack is former WBC heavyweight champion Vitali “Dr. Ironfist” Klitschko, 45-2 (41) of Kiev, UKR, made 11 defenses.
“It’s a dream of many boxers to become a member of the Hall of Fame Family. I’ve talked about the Hall of Fame but I never expected that one day I would be among the legends who were always examples for me like Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and so many world famous boxers. It’s a big honor for me,” said Klitschko.
Next was Erik “El Terrible” Morales, 52-9 (36), of Ysidro, CA, a four time division champion. He defended his WBC Super bantamweight title nine times and winning the WBO title in that last defense. He defended his WBC Featherweight title five times. He won the WBC and IBF Super featherweight titles. He won the WBC World Super featherweight title.
“It’s an honor to be elected into the Hall of Fame and be recognized for my achievements. I’m overwhelmed by the news. It’s a dream come true to be a member of the Hall of Fame and I can’t wait until next June to be in Canastota.
Next are Non-Participants and Observers to be inducted include German promoter Klaus-Peter Kohl and broadcasters Jim Gray and Steve Albert.
“I got chills. I’m so honored and so grateful to the sport, the fighters and to the Hall of Fame. What an amazing feeling to have this unique recognition. It’s just an amazing feeling to have been able to have observed and witnessed the excellence of so many incredible athletes. To have been able to have played a part to be able to interview them and bring it to the public is an incredible feeling,” said Jim Gray.
“It’s an honor. I didn’t expect this. I heard from some boxing friends that I was on the ballot but having been out of the sport for a few years I didn’t expect it to happen. It is quite an honor and I appreciate the call very much. It’s a little overwhelming. I have never been to Canastota and I’ve heard so many great things about that weekend through other friends who have been inducted and I look forward to it. It’s rare for me but I’m a little speechless now,” said Steve Albert.
Next is Germany’s Klaus-Peter Kohl as a promoter.
“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Oh my God. I’m completely surprised. I’m look forward to coming to Canastota in June for the Hall of Fame Weekend,” said Kohl.
Next is Ronald “Winky” Wright, 51-6-1 (25), from St. Petersburg, FL. He won the WBO Super welterweight champ defended his title three times and won the IBF Super welterweight title defended it five times. He won the WBC Super welterweight title defending it one time. He fought to a draw for the WBC and WBO Middleweight title never getting a rematch.
“Wow! It’s Great. It’s an honor. I love my fans and I’m grateful that my accomplishments in boxing are being honored. It feels so great to be in the Hall of Fame,” said Winky Wright.
Next is Don Chargin, husband of inductee Lorraine Chargin.
“Oh great! This news has made my day. I’m just so happy. I’ve been wishing and praying for this. For her to be the only woman besides Aileen Eaton to be in the Hall, on many fronts it’s a great honor. I’m really at a loss for words. I’ve dreamt of this,” said Don Chargin.
Others inducted will be Sid Terris in the Old Timer category and Johnny Addie Ring Announcer.