International Boxing Hall of Fame facts for kids
The International Boxing Hall of Fame (often called IBHOF) is a special place in Canastota, New York, USA. It honors amazing boxers, their coaches, and other people who have made a big difference in the sport of boxing all over the world.
The idea for the IBHOF started in 1990. It was created to celebrate local boxing heroes from Canastota, like Carmen Basilio and his nephew, Billy Backus. The museum opened to show off boxing's long and exciting history. Boxing fans from everywhere love to visit it.
Before this Hall of Fame, there was another one started in 1954 by The Ring magazine. It was located in Madison Square Garden in New York City. That old Hall of Fame closed in 1987. Most of the people who were in that Hall of Fame are now also in the IBHOF. Since 2020, the IBHOF has also started to include female boxers for the first time.
The IBHOF is one of the most famous boxing Halls of Fame. It holds special events every year to welcome new members. Many former world boxing champions and even Hollywood stars attend these exciting ceremonies. A talented artist named Richard T. Slone has been creating portraits of the new members since 1997.
Contents
How Boxers Get Chosen
To be chosen for the International Boxing Hall of Fame, professional boxers must have retired from fighting at least three years ago. A group of boxing writers and historians from around the world pick the new members. They look at five main groups of people:
- Modern Boxers: These are boxers whose last fight was in 1989 or later.
- Old Timers: This group is now split into two parts:
- Early Era: Boxers who fought from 1893 (when the Marquis of Queensbury Rules started) until 1942.
- Late Era: Boxers who fought from 1943 to 1988.
- Pioneers: These are boxers whose last fight was in or before 1892. They usually fought before the modern boxing rules were set.
- Observers: This group includes people like journalists, historians, writers, and artists who report on or create art about boxing.
- Non-Participants: These are people who helped boxing in other ways, but weren't boxers or reporters. This could be trainers, promoters, or referees.
Famous Boxers in the Hall of Fame
Many incredible boxers have been inducted into the IBHOF. Here are just a few examples from the "Modern" category:
- Muhammad Ali (inducted 1990): One of the most famous boxers ever, known for his speed and powerful words.
- Rocky Marciano (inducted 1990): He was a heavyweight champion who never lost a professional fight!
- Joe Louis (inducted 1990): Known as the "Brown Bomber," he was a long-reigning heavyweight champion.
- "Sugar" Ray Robinson (inducted 1990): Many consider him the greatest pound-for-pound boxer of all time.
- Mike Tyson (inducted 2011): A powerful heavyweight champion known for his knockout punches.
- Floyd Mayweather Jr. (inducted 2021): An undefeated champion known for his defensive skills.
The "Old Timers" category includes legends like:
- Jack Dempsey (inducted 1990): A very popular heavyweight champion from the 1920s.
- Jack Johnson (inducted 1990): The first African American world heavyweight boxing champion.
The "Pioneers" category honors early boxing heroes, such as:
- John L. Sullivan (inducted 1990): The last bare-knuckle heavyweight champion and the first gloved champion.
Other Important People in Boxing
The Hall of Fame also recognizes people who helped boxing grow and become what it is today.
Non-Participants
These are people who worked behind the scenes or managed the sport. Some famous examples include:
- Ray Arcel (inducted 1991): A legendary boxing trainer.
- Angelo Dundee (inducted 1994): The famous trainer of Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard.
- Don King (inducted 1997): A well-known boxing promoter.
- Sylvester Stallone (inducted 2010): The actor who played Rocky Balboa in the movies, honored for bringing boxing to a wider audience.
Observers
These are the people who shared the stories of boxing with the world. Some examples are:
- Howard Cosell (inducted 2010): A famous sportscaster who brought boxing matches to life on TV.
- Larry Merchant (inducted 2009): A respected boxing commentator and journalist.
Women in the Hall of Fame
Starting in 2020, the IBHOF began to honor amazing female boxers and contributors.
Women's Modern Boxers
- Christy Martin (inducted 2020): One of the most famous female boxers, known for her exciting fights.
- Laila Ali (inducted 2021): The daughter of Muhammad Ali, she was an undefeated champion.
Women's Trailblazers
This category honors women who were pioneers in women's boxing.
- Barbara Buttrick (inducted 2020): An early female boxing champion who helped pave the way for others.
Women Non-Participants
- Aileen Eaton (inducted 2002): A powerful boxing promoter who helped organize many fights.
See also
In Spanish: Salón Internacional de la Fama del Boxeo para niños
- Bare Knuckle Boxing Hall of Fame
- Women's International Boxing Hall of Fame
