Right now, a plethora of reigning and former world champions, boxing luminaries and fight fans have descended on the tranquil little village of Canastota, New York, for International Boxing Hall of Fame weekend. The event runs between June 6 and June 9.
Up for induction into the IBHOF this year are six former world champions who brought their own unique blend of fistic excitement to the sport. The main inductees for 2024 are Ivan Calderon, Diego Corrales, Jane Couch, Ricky Hatton, Michael Moorer and Ana Maria Torres.
"I’m looking forward to being inducted into the class of 2024. It’s truly a dream come true and must be one of my greatest achievements in boxing," said Hatton via his official Twitter (X) account Friday.
The Sporting News provides insight into why these particular fighters have been selected for induction:
Why is Ivan Calderon being inducted into the Hall of Fame?
- Record: 35-3-1 (6 KOs)
- Titles: WBO minimumweight/ WBO and Ring Magazine light flyweight
Some might dismiss him because he fought in the lower-weight classes. Some might dismiss him because he was more technician than knockout artist. Both takes would be beyond ignorant.
Calderon was a beautiful boxer who hailed from the fistic hotbed of Puerto Rico. He won the WBO minimumweight title in 2003 and made 12 defenses over the course of four years. And that was just for starters.
In August 2007, “Iron Boy” moved up to light flyweight, captured the WBO title in that division and posted another six defenses. He lost three of his last four fights by stoppage, but, at the peak of his powers, Calderon was one of the finest fighters in the world.
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Why is Diego Corrales being inducted into the Hall of Fame?
- Record: 40-5 (33 KOs)
- Titles: IBF and WBO super featherweight/ WBC, WBO, Ring Magazine lightweight
The soft-spoken Corrales was a two-weight world champion and one of the most exciting fighters of his generation.
“Chico” scored career-defining wins over Joel Casamayor, Acelino Frietas and Jose Luis Castillo. The latter triumph -- which saw Corrales rise from two knockdowns in round ten to score a brutal stoppage in the very same session -- was one of the greatest fights of all time.
On May 7, 2007, two years to the day after his epic victory over Castillo, Corrales was killed in a motorcycle accident in Las Vegas. Fight fans were shattered by the loss and his posthumous induction promises to be a very emotional occasion.
Why is Jane Couch being inducted into the Hall of Fame?
- Record: 28-11 (9 KOs)
- Titles: WIBF super lightweight
You cannot overstate how important Jane Couch was to women’s boxing in the U.K. and beyond. Make no mistake, it was “The Fleetwood Assassin” that paved the way for the likes of Katie Taylor, Chantelle Cameron and all the rest.
Long before women enlisted the services of a good promoter to secure them a world title fight, Couch was in court fighting for the right to fight. She won her case and became the first female to hold a British boxing licence.
Couch came along before the lucrative TV deals and big paydays but enjoyed real success as a professional. An infectious and dedicated pioneer for her sport, she won the WIBF 140-pound title on three separate occasions and mixed with the best throughout her distinguished career.
Why is Ricky Hatton being inducted into the Hall of Fame?
- Record: 45-3 (32 KOs)
- Titles: IBF, WBA, Ring Magazine super lightweight/ WBA welterweight
“There’s only one Ricky Hatton” was the war cry from his fever-pitch home support in Manchester. It was appropriate when their hero was slugging it out with world-class competition, and almost 12 years after his final retirement from professional boxing it’s still true.
Known as “The Hitman,” Hatton put together 38 straight wins before challenging the legendary Kostya Tszyu for the IBF and Ring Magazine titles in June 2005. As a big underdog, the Englishman was relentless with his offense and forced an unforgettable 11th-round stoppage.
Hatton would unify against Carlos Maussa and pick up the WBA version of the welterweight title at the expense of Luis Collazo. Other notable wins included Jose Luis Castillo and Paulie Malignaggi.
Why is Michael Moorer being inducted into the Hall of Fame?
- Record: 52-4-1 (40 KOs)
- Titles: WBO light heavyweight/ IBF, WBO, WBA heavyweight
Unfairly, Moorer became something of a footnote in the career of legendary heavyweight king George Foreman, who came from behind to score an epic 10th-round knockout over him in November 1994.
However, Moorer’s induction is perhaps overdue. Many fans forget “Double M” cutting a swathe through the light heavyweight division and claiming the inaugural WBO title. Moorer went 21-0 (21 KOs) at 175 pounds and his form throughout that period was terrifying.
From there, the brooding New Yorker leapfrogged cruiserweight and went straight to boxing's glamour division. He became the first southpaw to win the heavyweight crown, annexed multiple titles, and scored wins over Evander Holyfield, Axel Shultz, Frans Botha and Vassiliy Jirov along the way.
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Why is Ana Maria Torres being inducted into the Hall of Fame?
- Record: 28-3-3 (16 KOs)
- World Titles: WBC super flyweight
Torres is the perfect example of a fighter who never gives up until she gets what she wants. That attitude led to the Mexican star's long run as WBC super flyweight champ.
Despite suffering setbacks early on in her career, Torres won a world title in 2007, only to be dethroned by Myung Ok Ryu in her very first defense. However, after being held to a draw by Ryu in a rematch, Torres never looked back.
She regained the WBC title in 2009 and made 11 successful defenses of the crown. Her compatriot Jackie Nava held her to a draw in a non-title bout, but Torres outpointed Nava when they met again for the championship. She retired on top in 2012.
