Philippines, 01 Nov 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Stars & public came out in force for Inaugural New York State Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Dinner

PhilBoxing.com


NEW YORK (April 3, 2012) - Boxing stars joined a sold-out crowd of 500 at this past Sunday's inaugural New York State Boxing Hall of Fame ("NYSBHOF") induction dinner, sponsored by Ring 8, at Russo's On The Bay in Howard Beach, New York.

"Boxing in New York will not be forgotten," NYSBHOF founder Tony Mazzarella said. "Boxers, cornermen, judges, promoters, announcers and others in boxing are being honored."

Inducted into the first NYSBHOF class were "Sugar" Ray Robinson, Jake LaMotta, Mike Tyson, Carmen Basilio, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, Mike McCallum and posthumously Gene Tunney, Benny Leonard and Tony Canzoneri.

Non-participant inductees are judge/HBO analyst Harold Lederman, coach/instructor Steve Acunto, trainer/cutman Jimmy Glenn and, posthumously, trainers Gil Clancy and Ray Arcel, The Ring Magazine founder Nat Fleischer, New York Daily News boxing reporter/cartoonist Bill Gallo, and referee Arthur Mercante, Sr.

"We're all proud of those sitting on the dais for their achievements," NYSBHOF & Ring 8 president Bob Duffy commented. "The biggest joy, for me, is for what Mrs. Arcel, Mrs. Gallo and the members of the Canzoneri, Tunney, Mercante, and Clancy families said to me. They left a track record, like those sitting up here, but they're so happy that their inductees were not forgotten. Ring 8 specifically had these one-of-a-kind belts (all inductees received) designed for the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame."

Inductees attending the gala festivities were LaMotta, McCallum, Griffith, Ortiz, Antuofermo, Acunto, Glenn and Lederman. (See acceptance speech quotes below.) The families of Robinson, Canzoneri, Tunney, Arcel, Gallo and Mercante were also represented.

The inductees were selected by a six-member NYSBHOF nominating committee comprised of Jack Hirsch, Steve Farhood, Henry Hascup, Bobby Cassidy Jr., Ron McNair and Neil Terens. All but Cassidy (family vacation) were award presenters during this festive boxing affair.

Boxing dignitaries in attendance included world champions Iran Barkley, Juan La Porte, Junior Jones, Mark Breland and Mia St. John; boxers such as Vinnie Maddalone, Renaldo Snipes, Brian Adams, Michael De La Rue and Gasper Ortega; promoters Kathy Duva (Main Events) and Cedric Kushner (Gotham Boxing); boxing judges Julie Lederman, Steve Weisfeld and Glenn Feldman; referees Steve Smoger and Mike Ortega, New York State Athletic Commission chairperson Melvina Latham, International Boxing Hall of Fame matchmaker Bob Goodman, World Boxing Council Cares Jill Diamond, Gleason's Gym owner Bruce Silverglade and trainer Tommy Gallagher.

Popular ring announcer, David Diamante, rushed back from Jamaica to serve as the event's Master of Ceremonies. The traditional 10-count was given in honor of the late Bert Sugar. A special presentation - autographed portrait of Lederman - was made on behalf of HBO's boxing group and Harold's friend and HBO partner, Jim Lampley, sent a congratulatory message that was read.

Commemorative plagues listing the names of the inductees and NYSBHOF board members and nominating committee will be on display at the Waterfront Crabhouse, New York State Athletic Commission, and NYSBHOF board member Dr. Jerry Lynn.

All boxers needed to be inactive for at least three years, in order to be eligible for NYSBHOF induction, and all inductees had to have resided in New York State for a significant portion of their boxing careers.

Go on line at www.Ring8ny.com for additional information about the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame.


Acceptance Speech Quotes

Jake LaMotta (90 years old): "I'm very happy to be here with my very good friends. I fought 'Sugar' Ray Robinson so many times it's a wonder I don't have diabetes. He broke my jaw but you can see he never broke my nose. The greatest pound-for-pound fighter who ever lived is 'Sugar' Ray Robinson. It's unbelievable I fought him so many times. Right now, I finally made it when they made the movie, Raging Bull. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards and Robert DeNiro was so great in the movie. If you asked me, DeNiro is the greatest fighter who ever lived. How'd he play me? He sparred and shadow-boxed 1000 rounds and when I was finished with him he could have turned pro."

Mike McCallum: "It's an honor to be here today and be part of this great ceremony. New York City is big! I came to American and the greatest place there is. I'm in the International Boxing Hall of Fame but, why not the New York State? Now I'm here. It's a wonderful feeling."

Vito Antuofermo: "I'm very honored to be here today and to be in the first induction in the first New York State Boxing Hall of Fame. As a young boy, I struggled in a new country. Boxing is much more than a sport to me. I learned about the world and myself. The only limit a person has is one on himself. I thank boxing. I am very happy to be part of New York boxing and to have some success here. I know the Hall of Fame will grow and be successful. I congratulate my fellow inductees."

Carlos Ortiz: "I'm proud to be here and to be inducted onto the New York Hall of Fame. I love it! I want people to remember me and that's beautiful. It's nice to be here. I love New York."

Harold Lederman: "Today I'm an immortal...April's fool. Floyd Mayweather claims he's be the greatest fighter who ever lived. He's not for two reasons: No. 1, he has to fight 158 more times to catch Sugar Ray Robinson; No. 2, he's never fought in New York. The greatest fighters all fought in New York. Boxing has been a huge part of my life and home. I owe a lot to some of the boxing commissioners here."

Steve Acunto (95 years old): "I'm profoundly honored to accept this recognition today. I'm almost overwhelmed to see all these boxing people today. Every kid should have an idol to occupy his time. When I was a kid a bought a book written by Gene Tunney and I got the bug."

Jimmy Glenn: "I thank everyone for coming out for me. And they really came out for me."




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • PERO, THOMPSON READY FOR ORLANDO SHOWDOWN SATURDAY NIGHT
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025
  • South Cotabato overall champ in Batang Pinoy boxing meet
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025
  • Bernardino to play in Malaysia and France chess championship
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025
  • Make way for the Philippines' oldest active chess player
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 01 Nov 2025
  • Canada High: Mikaela Mayer Wins Unified Super Welterweight Crown
    , Fri, 31 Oct 2025
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Great Virtues of Champions
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Fri, 31 Oct 2025
  • ‘HAPPY’ HEAVYWEIGHT THOMPSON READY FOR PERO WAR
    , Fri, 31 Oct 2025
  • Lakers Sale Approved: Mark Walter Takes Majority Stake, Ending Buss Family Era
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Fri, 31 Oct 2025
  • SBA Season 2 Kicks Off November 10
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 31 Oct 2025
  • History made twice over
    By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 31 Oct 2025
  • ORLANDO PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND VIDEO: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID BETWEEN LENIER PERO, JORDAN THOMPSON AND UNDERCARD
    , Fri, 31 Oct 2025
  • Biado, Magpantay enter last 32 round of Qatar World Cup 10-Ball
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 31 Oct 2025
  • Shaw vs Woodward Return for the 2025 Mosconi Cup!
    , Fri, 31 Oct 2025
  • Mavericks-Pistons ready for 34th NBA game in Mexico
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Fri, 31 Oct 2025
  • Stars of the show
    By Joaquin Henson, , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH 2: REMATCH SEASON SET FOR DECEMBER 13 IN LOS ANGELES
    , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • Carcosia to fight Ogawa in Japan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • ERISLANDY LARA VS. JANIBEK ALIMKHANULY MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP UNIFICATION HIGHLIGHTS STAR-STUDDED PITBULL VS. ROACH PPV UNDERCARD ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
    , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • Santiago City in Veraguas, Panama, hosts a historic WBA world championship night
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • Weights From Liverpool, New York
    , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • PERO AND THOMPSON GO HEAD-TO-HEAD AHEAD OF ORLANDO HEAVYWEIGHT CLASH – LIVE ON DAZN
    , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • 4 Strategic Skills Boxers Can Learn from Online Poker
    , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • Yoelvis Gomez Focused and Ready for Unbeaten Test Against Antraveous Ingram on DAZN
    , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • Spectacular start to the NBA season
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 30 Oct 2025
  • GM Joey bounces back into contention
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 30 Oct 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.