IBHOF New Inductees - Eclectic Mix

[wake.up.the.echoes]

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/box...ory?id=5895427

CANASTOTA, N.Y. -- Mike Tyson, whose meteoric rise to the pinnacle of boxing and stunning fall from grace was legendary, was selected Tuesday for induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum.

Three-division champion Julio Cesar Chavez of Mexico and Russian-born Kostya Tszyu, a junior welterweight champion, also were selected, along with Mexican trainer Ignacio "Nacho" Beristain, referee Joe Cortez, and screenwriter Sylvester Stallone.

Posthumous honorees to be enshrined June 12, 2011 include: bantamweight Memphis Pal Moore, light heavyweight champion Jack Root, and middleweight Dave Shade in the old-timer category; British heavyweight John Gully in the pioneer category; promoter A.F. Bettinson; and broadcaster Harry Carpenter.

Inductees were voted on by members of the Boxing Writers Association of America and a panel of international boxing historians.

[Robextend]

Originally Posted by 19bowman48

and screenwriter Sylvester Stallone.

That's awesome...

[wake.up.the.echoes]

I can just hear him screaming, "Yo Adrian, I did it!"

(And you can too...) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgScBiXkO9Y

-Alan

[D. Bergin]

Hmmmm. Some of those picks seem to be completely out of the blue.

[wake.up.the.echoes]

The IBHOF has strange induction criteria indeed. This year is no exception.

[Writehooks]

As a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America, I get to cast an annual ballot for nominees in the "modern" category and was happy to see all three of this year's first-timers (Tyson, Chavez and Tszyu) make the grade from the 50 names put forward. As for Stallone going in as an "observer" (voted on by a separate panel), I have mixed feelings. Yes, Rocky Balboa has certainly achieved cult pop culture immortality, but is that truly worthy of HoF induction? If it is, then Stacy Keach is surely deserving for his portrayal of Billy Tully in "Fat City" (the greatest boxing movie ever made), as are John Garfield ("Body and Soul") and Kirk Douglas ("Champion"). The real fun in Canastota next June will be to see who draws the loudest cheers from what's sure to be the biggest crowd since Muhammad Ali led the inaugural class. My bet is that Iron Mike's reception will put Sly's to shame.

[wake.up.the.echoes]

Murr,

The Boxing Writers Association of America seems to have reached a consensus with the "Modern" class inductees of Tyson, Chavez and Tszyu. To me, a layperson, each seems worthy of induction. I am more familiar with Tyson and Chavez than I am with Tszyu, but I do recall Tszyu beating Chavez later in Chavez's career.

I share your sentiments about Stallone. While arguments can be made to justify his induction, I would guess that the hall inducted him to draw a crowd—although that hardly seems necessary given the inclusion of Tyson in this year's class.

My issues are mostly with the inclusion of Dave Shade and John Gully. Any idea why Shade was inducted? I don't understand why Shade or Gully are considered particularly special. From what I have read, Shade was a good fighter, but always a bridesmaid, never a bride—what I mean is that Shade seemingly settled for being a highly ranked contender, rather than a champion. Did he ever win anything? As far as Gully is concerned, I really haven't read anything that indicates that Gully had a hall of fame worthy boxing career. Is it because he gained fame as a literary character or as a politician?

Anyway, I think the BWAA got it right with the modern class, but I am not sure I agree with some of the posthumous honorees.

Alan