Canastota is our WALLY WORLD!!!
Yes, yes, yes. . .it is time for our annual pilgrimage to Canastota, NY for the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s Induction Weekend. During this four-day event, over thirty former and current boxing champions, contenders, and dignitaries will flood the tiny village just east of Syracuse on I-90. This year denotes a truly special induction, since former heavyweight champion of the world LARRY HOLMES will be in attendance for his entrance ceremony to the Hall. Also, Chicago lightweight Eddie Perkins will go in, as well as several other boxing promoters, writers, and posthumous inductions. Along with a golf outing, ringside lectures by boxing celebrities, a Night of Rising Stars event, the memorablila show at Canastota High School, VIP Reception, Banquet of Champions, and the Induction Ceremony. . . there are also lots of book signings, hand-cast ceremonies, and interview tents designed to make lifetime memories for all involved.
The Brophy family really knows how to throw a party. They, along with countless employees and volunteers, construct a truly unique fan experience for anyone who marvels at the sport’s long, rich history. This year is exceptional, not only because of Holmes being in attendance, but because Madison Square Garden has donated their one-of-a-kind boxing ring that had been used for nearly a century of historical fights. Such fighters as Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson, Joe Louis, Willie Pep, Carmen Basilio, Gene Fullmer, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, and Roberto Duran have all fought in this ring, and it will be on display for all to enjoy.
All in all, this is simply a weekend not to be missed. Personally, I haven’t missed a weekend since 1997, which means I have an entire decade “in the bag”. Shake a champ’s hand, get a photo, maybe an autograph or two. I promise you. After you go once. . . you’ll look forward to the first full weekend in June as impatiently as I do. . . every year.
***The Bolo Punch Boxing Hour’s own Chris Guzman, Emil “Soda Popinski” Kegebein, and Jimmy “Fighting School Teacher” Holmes will be broadcasting LIVE from Graziano’s Pizza (right across the street from the HOF) Thursday night. Come on by and say hi, grab a mike, and be heard across the world as we tackle a pile of boxing topics. Also, you never know WHO will walk in at any given time. . . . it’s a great place to “celebrity watch”. Anyone who strolls through that door is a potential Bolo Punch interview, making it the most difficult show to plan for all year. . . but also the most fun. Lots of boxing memorabilia giveaways, trivia questions, and boxing talk. . . not to mention the best italian sausage pizza this side of anywhere!! See you there, and save us a ringside seat!!!
