Boxing's Best

Remember the great line from the film Field of Dreams?
"If you build it, they will come."
The fictional words come true every June in Canastota, NY (population about 4,300).
That's when the International Boxing Hall of Fame holds its annual induction ceremonies.

Crowd at Boxing Hall of Fame

IBHOF was built in 1989 to honor two hometown heroes who became world champions:
Carmen Basilio and his nephew Billy Backus . And every year since the first induction
ceremony in 1990, some of the greatest fighters of all-time come to Canastota for the
weekend festivities.

Induction Day

A highlight for fans and fighters is the annual parade of champions down the main street of Canastota.

Jake LaMotta

The "Raging Bull" Jake LaMotta rides in the parade.

Mike Tyson

Surrounded by security, Mike Tyson looks at spectators watching him drive by.

Crowd viewing parade

Tyson generated the most fan interest. Here they wait for a glimpse near the parade endpoint.

Marvin Hagler

Marvelous Marvin Hagler waves to spectators. Yes, he legally changed his first name to "Marvelous".

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The classic American scene shows why Canastota has taken to calling itself "Boxing's Hometown". Unoffical estimates put the turnout on June 12th at 7,000 to 8,000. That's a large crowd by induction day standards. The big draw: the marquee names being inducted.

2011 Inductees

Clips of induction speeches from Mike Tyson and Sylvester Stallone

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