FORMER HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION JAMES “BUSTER” DOUGLAS TO ATTEND HALL OF FAME WEEKEND
Hall of Fame Weekend June 5-8th
CANASTOTA, NY –MAY 15, 2008 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today former world heavyweight champion James “Buster” Douglas will attend festivities planned for the 19th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend set for June 5-8th.
“James “Buster” Douglas shocked the boxing world to become heavyweight champion,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “We’re excited about welcoming him to Canastota for the weekend festivities.”
A native of Columbus, Ohio, “Buster” Douglas turned pro in 1981. Following wins over Randall “Tex” Cobb, Dave Jaco, and former heavyweight champion Greg Page, he challenged Tony Tucker for the IBF heavyweight title on May 30, 1987. Although unsuccessful in his first bid for the title (TKO by 10), he rebounded to record wins over Trevor Berbick and Oliver McCall before meeting undisputed heavyweight champion “Iron” Mike Tyson in Tokyo, Japan on February 11, 1990 for the world title. Douglas, a decided underdog (42-1), became the first man to defeat Tyson when he scored a 10th round kayo to capture the title in one of the biggest upsets in heavyweight boxing history. Douglas retired in 1990, but returned to the ring for a comeback in 1996. In 1999 he hung up the gloves again with a professional record of 38-6-1 (25KOs).
The June 5-8th Hall of Fame Induction Weekend will feature over 20 exciting events including a banquet, parade, golf tournament, cocktail party, and the official induction ceremony honoring the Class of 2008. Living inductees to be honored at the Official Induction Ceremony on Sunday, June 8th are heavyweight champion Larry Holmes, junior welterweight champion Eddie Perkins, promoters Mogens Palle and Frank Warren and journalists Dave Anderson and Joe Koizumi. Posthumous inductees will also be honored.
Over 50 boxing stars are scheduled to participate in weekend festivities.
For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 19th Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095 or visit www.ibhof.com.
