'Rocky' steals thunder from Tyson

CANASTOTA – Movie actor Sylvester Stallone was mobbed by fans who attended the 22nd induction rites of the International Boxing Hall of Fame and not even a tearful Mike Tyson’s sentimental appearance could upstage Rocky Balboa here last Sunday. 

Hall of Fame director Ed Brophy said the enshrinement ceremony draws fans, fighters and boxing figures from all over the world every year to witness the annual induction which is held in this town 185 miles north of New York City. 

The Hall of Fame was established in 1989 and has over 800 square meters of available space for exhibits in a museum. An events pavilion is located adjacent to the main building which is a repository of artifacts, memorabilia, videos, books and photographs related to the so-called Sweet Science. The project was conceived “to honor and preserve boxing’s rich heritage, chronicle the achievements of those who excelled and provide an educational experience for our many visitors.”

This year, the inductees were Tyson, Stallone, Mexican trainer Nacho Beristain, Julio Cesar Chavez, Kostya Tszyu, referee Joe Cortez, Memphis Pal Moore, Jack Root, David Shade, A. F. Bettinson, broadcaster Harry Carpenter and John Gully. Categories for inductees are fighters from the modern era (last fight no earlier than 1943), oldtimer era (1893-1942) and pioneer era (before 1892), non-participants (including promoters, trainers and referees) and observers (including artists, photographers, broadcasters and journalists). There are now 386 inductees broken down into 112 each for the modern and oldtimer eras, 39 for the pioneers, 87 for the non-participants and 26 observers.

A fighter must have been retired at least five years to be eligible for induction. The selection is decided by a committee made up of members of the Boxing Writers Association of America and ring historians from at least eight countries – the US, Japan, England, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, Germany and Puerto Rico.

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Brophy said every induction is unique and exciting.  “This year, legends like Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Ken Norton came,” he said. “Stallone was quite an attraction. We try to make every induction weekend memorable. It’s our way to honor the greats of the sport.”

The four-day induction program started with boxing lectures last Thursday. Then, the Hall of Fame hosted a Mexican fiesta the next day. A golf tournament was played at the Casolwood course in Syracuse early Saturday morning then a 5K fun run, an autograph card show and the traditional Banquet of Champions at the Syracuse Oncenter Complex were held. The Parade of Champions was a motorcade in downtown Canastota Sunday morning and the formal induction capped the festivities in the afternoon.

“The theme changes year after year,” said Hall of Fame staffer /Rachel DiVeronica. “Last year, we recognized those who fought at Madison Square Garden. The year before, we honored the middleweight legends and previously, the 1976 US Olympic boxing team.”

Tyson broke down at the podium as he choked on his words after his induction. Iron Mike wept as he paid tribute to his late trainer Cus D’Amato who has his father figure. Tyson, 44, ended his career with a 50-6 record, including 44 KOs, and became the youngest ever to win a heavyweight crown at 20 in 1986. His last outing was a technical knockout loss to Kevin McBride six years ago. It was estimated that Tyson earned $300 to $400 million during his pro career. 

There was some question on Tyson’s eligibility as a Hall of Famer because of his notoriety and ring shenanigans. In 1997, he bit Evander Holyfield’s ear twice during a fight and was disqualified. He was slapped a $3 million fine and suspended a year by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Tyson figured in a scandalous relationship with wife Robin Givens and was imprisoned nine months for assaulting two motorists in a traffic altercation in 1999. 

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“In the prime of his career, he was a destroyer, a pit bull and one of the greatest knockout artists ever,” said promoter Lou DiBella. “I think he squandered a lot of his talent. He didn’t get a fair shake. There was a lot in the man’s life where he wasn’t treated like a human being. He was treated like a commodity.  That’s a hard way to live particularly if you haven’t had a normal family life.”

According to New York Post writer George Willis, Tyson now lives in Las Vegas with his wife Lakiha, two-year-old daughter Milan and new-born son Morocco. With boxing no longer an option, Tyson has turned to show business. He appeared in a cameo role in the “Hangover” movie series and was featured in the reality TV show “Taking on Tyson” based on his love for homing pigeons. 

The Hall of Fame is open from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entrance fee for adults is $10, youth $6.50 and six years old and under, free.

 “We have showcases filled with the colorful robes of boxing greats,” said Brophy. “We have gloves, hand wraps and fist casts from dozens of champions, including the massive hand of Primo Carnera. Several videos add live action to the museum and our Wall of Fame features plaques of all inductees. We have ticket displays, poster displays plus life-size statues of famous fighters. There’s something for everyone to see and enjoy in the Hall of Fame.”