By Dallan o’ Donnell: Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and former three division champion Julio Cesar Chavez have been elected into the international boxing hall of fame class 2011. The two legendary fighters will be joined by former light-welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu, referee Joe Cortez, trainer Ignacio Beristain and screenwriter and actor Sylvester Stallone. Tyson was one of boxing’s biggest stars in the 80’s and the youngest ever heavyweight champion. Once one of the most feared men in boxing, Tyson had a well publicised fall from grace in and out of the ring but his position in the hall of fame is unquestionable.
Perhaps one of the stand out moments in his career was beating Trevor Berbick to become the youngest ever heavyweight champion, he then went on to become an undisputed heavyweight champion. Tyson said that he was honoured to be nominated into the hall of fame, saying that boxing has given him so much. Nobody can doubt the inclusion of Mexico’s legendary Julio Cesar Chavez.
A six time world champion in three divisions, he was once widely considered pound for pound the best in the world. With an incredible record of 115 fights with 107 wins and 86 KO’s it is just a surprise he wasn’t nominated earlier. Kostya Tszyu was born in Russia and fought out of Australia. He was once an undisputed light-welterweight champion and a four time champion in that division. Speaking on becoming a member of the hall of fame he said “This is unbelievably great news”, I’m actually speechless.”
Referee Joe Cortez, arguably the most recognisable referees in the sport today, has officiated over 160 title fights in his undoubtedly legendary career. Trainer Ignacio Beristain has trained 18 world champions in the pro ranks including hall of famer Ricardo Lopez and also trained the Mexican teams for the 1968, 1976 and 1980 Olympic Games. Sylvester Stallone, most known for his Rocky film series which depicts Stallone as Heavyweight slugger Rocky Balboa. The original Rocky won an academy award for Best picture in 1976. The hall of fame induction ceremony which is in its 22nd year, run annually and take place on June 12th in New York.
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