Florida Boxing Hall of Fame event around the corner

Posted Jun 14, 2010 by Eddie Daniels

Updated Jun 14, 2010 at 06:23 PM

Now that the International Boxing Hall of Fame has inducted its 13 new Members this weekend in Canastota, New York, its time to focus on Florida’s HOF.

The Florida Boxing Hall of Fame will kickoff its three-day schedule of events on June 25 in Tampa. Muhammad Ali headlines the state’s list of 20 inductees and three special awards honorees.

Each living inductee will be honored during a “Meet the Inductees” dinner at the Crowne Plaza, 5303 West Kennedy Blvd., on June 25. Cost is $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

Day 2 includes a memorabilia show, autograph sessions, book signings as well as the fist casting for each living inductee. That too will take place at the Crowne Plaza between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the door.

Later that night, a gala dinner will be held, which features a silent auction and cash bar. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m. Cost for the dinner is $85. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Sunday morning, from 8:30-10, “Breakfast with the Inductees” will take place at the Crowne Plaza. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance.

The induction ceremony, which is open to the public, will follow at 11:30 a.m.

Living inductees include: promoters Don King and Phil Alessi, trainer Dan Birmingham, women’s boxing pioneer Barbara Buttrick, ring announcer Bob Alexander, radio personality James “Smitty” Smith, and former world contenders Gomeo Brennan and Frankie Otero.

Here’s a full list of each inductee:

Fighters: Muhammad Ali, Yama Bahama, Gomeo Brennan, Barbara Buttrick, Bobby Dykes, Eddie Flynn, Tommy Gomez, Frank Otero, Willie Pep and Elmer Ray; Trainers/Managers: Dan Birmingham and Al Bonanni;
Promoters: Phil Alessi and Don King; Historian: Enrique Encinosa; Official/Commission: Don Hazelton; Nonparticipant: Bob Alexander, Jay Edson, James “Smitty” Smith and Lou Viscusi; Special Awards: Mike Birmingham, Ramiro Ortiz and Steve Yerrid.

A special weekend ticket package is available for $110, while special room rates of $79 per night are available at the Crowne Plaza. For information call FLABHOF president Butch Flansburg at (813) 884-7711, or go to http://www.floridaboxinghalloffame.com.