Hall of Fame Inductees

by Dave Iamele

On January 13th the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York announced the 9th annual group of inductees to be admitted into its hallowed halls. Inductees include Lou Duva, William A. Brady, flyweight champion Miguel Canto, junior welterweight champion Antonio Cervantes, and light heavyweight Matthew Saad Muhammad.

The Class of 1998:

Modern:

Sammy "The Clutch" Angnott -- Lightweight champ 1941-1942
Miguel Canto -- Flyweight champ with 14 title defenses
Antonio Cervantes - Jr. welter champ 1970's with 16 title defenses
Matthew Saad Muhammad -- Popular Light Heavy

Old Timer:

Joe Choynski -- Heavyweight contender late 1890's
Frankie Genaro -- Talented Flyweight
George "Kid" Lavigne -- Lightweight champ, 1896-1899
Benny Lynch -- Flyweight champ, 1937-1938
Sammy Mandell -- Lightweight champion, 1926-1930

Pioneer:

Prof. Mike Donovan -- Middleweight contender 1860's to early 1890's; much respected teacher of the sport

Non Participants:

William A. Brady -- manager of James Corbett & Jim Jeffries
Lou Duva -- manager, trainer, promoter, fighter; Flintstone look-alike
Herman Taylor -- Philadelphia based promoter 1915 - 1975

Lou Duva said of his induction: " I feel like I'm working the corner of Evander Holyfield, Pernell Whitaker or any of my other champions who just won the title. To be designated into the Hall of Fame is an honor as if I just won the championship." Lou also expressed regret that his son Dan was not still living to share this honor with him.

Miguel Canto stated: "I'm very happy. I truly did not expect to receive the phone call. It's a dream of a lifetime.

Matthew Saad Muhammad: " I'm so excited! I feel flabbergasted! It's so good to hear the news."

Inductees are voted in by members of the Boxing Writers Association and a panel of international boxing historians. "The class of 1998 is a highly credible and very deserving group," said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. He added that he expected all four living inductees to attend and participate in the 1998 Hall of Fame Weekend festivities.

The Hall of Fame weekend is scheduled for June 11th-14th. Over 30 boxing greats are expected to attend the weekends events.

The 1998 Induction Class is a diverse as it is deserving and this years festivities should be fantastic as always. I look forward to being in "Titletown, USA" during this warm June weekend. You can read all about this years Induction Weekend this Summer in "The CyberboxingJournal" when I file my forth annual International Hall of Fame Induction report and also, with a little luck, an interview with one of this years inductees and also a boxing great from the past. I'll be counting the days `till June 11th.


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