The controversial Floyd Mayweather, the Mexican Juan Manuel Márquez, the Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto and the Americans Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones are some of those inducted on Sunday into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York.
Others chosen were Andrew Ward, Christy Martin and Laila Ali.
According to ESPN, a total of 15 were immortalized on the day by the Classes 2020, 2021 and 2022.
The list is completed by Shane Mosley, the Ukrainian Wladimir Klitschko -absent due to the Russian invasion of his country-, James Toney, Lucia Rijker, Ann Wolfe, Regina Halmich and Holly Holm.
Promoters like Lou DiBella and Kathy Duva were also sworn in, as well as publicist Bill Caplan and journalists like Bernard Fernández and Thomas Hauser.
Since Thursday, activities had begun with boxing readings and autograph signings.
On Friday, many of the new immortals left the mold of their fists ready, which will be shown in the Museum of the enclosure, on Saturday a gala dinner was held and finally this Sunday the long-awaited ceremony took place.
‘Dynamite’ Márquez, 48, retired in 2014 and to be nominated in the Class of 2020 alongside Hopkins and Mosley, five years had to pass since his dismissal from the ring.
However, for subsequent classes the rules were modified so that three years after retirement were sufficient to be eligible.
«Here is the ring that is so desired, that with so much effort, discipline, training, is like reaching the final step, closing with a flourish with this ring. It is the fruit of effort, dedication and work”, said Márquez while he showed off the ring that distinguishes him as a member of the Hall.
For his part, the Puerto Rican Cotto took the recognition without much effusiveness. “It’s the same before not coming in here. Thank God, my work has been well seen and today we belong to the Hall of Fame.
It should be remembered that, for the only time, three generations were exalted at the same time, due to the fact that the 2020 and 2021 events were suspended due to the covid-19 pandemic. (AFP)