jackson5443 By Gav Duthie: The gong has sounded and thirty eager hopefuls are looking to be inducted into the 2016 boxing Hall of Fame. Of the 30 candidates only 3 will be awarded into the coveted inner circle of boxing’s elite.

The organization has taken some criticism in recent years for inducting the likes of Sylvester Stallone for his services to boxing but this year all potentials have made their impact inside the ring. Of the 30 I will provide my picks for the three that should be chosen.

The nominees in alphabetical order

Yuri Arcachkov
Paulie Ayala
Nigel Benn.
Hector Camacho.
Sot Chitalada
Donald Curry
Chris Eubank.
Leo Gomez
Genaro Hernandez
Julian Jackson
Santos Laciar
Rocky Lockridge
Miguel Lora
James BcGirt.
Henry Maske
Dariusz Michalczewski.
Sung-Kil Moon
Michael Moorer
Orzubek Nazarov
Sven Ottke
Vinny Pazienza
Lupe Pintor
Gilberto Roman
Gianfranco Rosi
Samuel Serrano
Meldrick Taylor
Fernando Vargas
Wilfredo Vazquez
Ratanapol Sor Vorapin
Hilario Zapata

Julian Jackson 55-6 (49)
Honours: WBA Light middleweight, WBC Middleweight x2

This was the one stand out name for me on the list. Why he hasn’t been inducted before now baffles me. Whenever I feel a bit dejected about a boring fight or the current state of boxing in general one of my first port of calls is to throw Julian Jackson into the Youtube search engine. He is arguably the hardest punch p4p of all time. Of the best knockouts in history he could easily have 4 or 5 in the top 20. His KO of Herol Graham was sickening and just one of many. He wasn’t the most gifted of fighters but any young fan learning the sport should know who this guy is. His biggest win probably came in winning his first world title knocking out Terry Norris in 2 rounds. The Graham win earned him is second title but he lost it to the great Gerald McClellan and again in a rematch. When the title became vacant once again he finally bested the undefeated Agostino Cardamone to win his third world crown. Jackson is one of the most exciting boxers of all time and deserves his place on the list.

James (Buddy) McGirt 73-6-1(48)
IBF light welterweight, WBC Welterweight

McGirt is another who should be a certainty to join the hall of fame ranks. He is just as famous as a trainer and boxer which conveys his influence in the sport. The two weight world champion was a star boxer in the late 80s and early 90s during a golden era with Pernell Whitaker at the summit. McGirt won his first world title by avenging his only defeat at that point by knocking out Frankie Warren in round 12. He won his welterweight title defeating Genaro Leon but lost it to Whitaker and a rematch by split decision.

As a trainer he is credited with polishing the skills of Arturo Gatti aiding in his two victories over Mickey Ward and world title victory over Gianluca Branco. He has also trained champions like Nate Campbell, the late Vernan Forrest, Paulie Malignaggi, Hasim Rahman and Antonio Tarver. He was also named ‘boxing trainer of the year’ in 2002 by the boxing writers association.

Dariusz Michalczewski 48-2 (38)
WBA, IBF, WBO light heavyweight, WBO Cruiserweight

The third preference was a very tough choice considering the competition. The Polish born power puncher boasted an amateur record of 139-11-2 (89). He and Roy Jones Jnr were rated #1 and #2 for about 5 years at light heavyweight. In 1994 the German was the WBO light heavyweight and WBO Cruiserweight champion simultaneously. He dropped the cruiserweight title and stayed at light-heavyweight. He made no less than 23 successful defences before he eventually lost the belt after 11 years as champion. In 1997 he beat Virgil Hill on points to briefly become WBO, WBA and IBF light heavyweight champion. This was Hill’s first loss since Tommy Hearns. After that fight would have been the perfect time for him to fight Jones but Roy fought Virgil Hill instead winning a 4th round stoppage. There were several other times negotiations took place but it is unfortunate for Roy and Dariusz that this bout never materialized. For me Dariusz only lost when he was past his best and despite his biggest test not happening he achieved a huge amount in the sport.

Just missing out

It wouldn’t seem right to put in Nigel Benn 42-5-1 (35) without Chris Eubank 45-5 (23) or vice versa. Their domestic rivalry which included the likes of Michael Watson and Steve Collins was huge in the UK but probably not big enough worldwide. If I were to chose one it would be Benn as he did a little bit more on the world stage in with his comeback win over Gerald McClellan with disastrous consequences and his 1 round war with Ivan Barkley. However neither for me do enough to displace the three I chose.

The late Hector ‘Macho’ Camacho 79-6-3 (38) was a character and world champion through 3 weight classes. His antics, hand speed and character made him a very popular figure. He is one of the new nominees on the list so I don’t see him going straight in. He has wins over renowned trainer Freddie Roach, Edwin Rosario, fellow nominee Ray Mancini, Greg Haugen as well as ring legends Ray ‘Boom Boom’ Mancini and over the hill duo Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard.

Also close for me was Sven Ottke 34-0 (6) won the IBF Super Middleweight title in only his 13th fight against Charles Brewer. He never lost that title and made 21 successful defences. Towards the end of his career he added the WBA title to his collection when he defeated Byron Mitchell. He made 4 defences of the WBA title before announcing his retirement immediately after defeating Armand Kranjc. He doesn’t quite make it in present company because he avoided career defining fights against the likes of Joe Calzaghe. He didn’t turn pro until he was 29 and in fairness he did seem on the slide when he retired at 36. Many of his decision wins were also controversial often attributed to German judges.

Whats yours

Many aren’t too bothered about these lists these days but it is an impressive collection of fine boxers. Which three would you pick in your list for the hall of fame?