As fighters need to be retired for five years before being considered, Hearns has only just become eligible for induction

As fighters need to be retired for five years before being considered, Hearns has only just become eligible for induction

Tommy ‘Hitman’ Hearns and Freddie Roach are among a list of people who have been nominated for inclusion in this year’s Hall Of Fame. Boxing writers and historians working together choose a class each year and today released the latest list of inductees.

Hearns, 53, a Detroit man through-and-through, has always been a sure-fire entrant to the Hall Of Fame and will join peers Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran and ‘Sugar’ Ray Leonard in the exclusive club. It’s both a blessing and a curse that Hearns had to compete in such a talented era but his fights with Duran, Hagler and Leonard will never be forgotten.

Hearns still managed to have a glittering career, going 155-8 as an amateur before winning World titles in five weight divisions and taking part in some of the best known fights of all time. Having only retired in 2006 with a 61-5-1 (48KO’s) record, Hearns has only this year become eligible for induction.

Freddie Roach will be honored for his work as a World class trainer

Freddie Roach will be honored for his work as a World class trainer

Freddie Roach, 51, although a good fighter in his own right, notching up a 40-15 (13KO’s) record in an eight-year professional career, will be inducted into the Trainer category for his stirling work with the likes of multiple weight champion Manny Pacquiao.

Also being honored will be ring announcer Michael Buffer, 67, who has been the voice of boxing for the past 25 years. Announcing his very first bout in 1982, Buffer has gone on to be the best known announcer in the sport, making his ‘Let’s get ready to rumble’ catchphrase known all over the World. Buffer overcame throat cancer recently and is still in remission, so will be particularly touched to receive this honor.


Other inductees include broadcaster and journalist Al Bernstein, who has been involved with the sport since the late 70′s,  former flyweight and super-flyweight World champion Mark ‘Too Sharp’ Johnson and journalist Michael Katz.

Posthumous inductees include Cocoa Kid, Newsboy Brown, Leo Houck, and Jake Kilrain in the old-timer category; promoters Hugh D. McIntosh and Rip Valenti in the non-participant category; and James Wharton in the pioneer category.

The chosen entrants will be inducted on June 10, 2012.


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