HALL OF FAMERS MICHAEL CARBAJAL & PERNELL WHITAKER RETURNING TO CANASTOTA FOR HALL OF FAME WEEKEND
Hall of Fame Weekend June 5-8th
CANASTOTA, NY – APRIL 16, 2008 – Hall of Famers Michael “Little Hands of Stone” Carbajal and Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker will be among the boxing superstars attending festivities planned for the 19th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend scheduled for June 5-8th in Canastota, NY.
“Carbajal and Whitaker brought such excitement to boxing fans during their legendary careers,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “We’re looking forward to their return to Canastota.” Born September 17, 1967 in Phoenix, AZ. Carbajal won a 106 pound silver medal in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. A world champion by his 15th pro bout, “Little Hands of Stone” came off the canvas twice to defeat WBC champion and fellow Hall of Famer Humberto “Chiquita” Gonzalez in 1993’s “Fight of the Year.” The first junior flyweight to earn a $1 million purse, Carbajal registered wins over Will Grigsby, Melchor Cob Castro, Jorge Arce and others before retiring in 1999 with a 49-4 (33KOs) record. Since leaving the ring, Carbajal has owned and operated the Ninth Street Gym in Phoenix. In 2006 he was elected into the Hall of Fame.
Born January 2, 1964 in Norfolk, VA. Whitaker compiled a 201-14 (91 KOs) amateur record and captured the gold medal at the 1984 Olympic Games. As a pro he reigned as IBF, WBC and WBA lightweight champion. He also won world titles in three additional weight divisions – IBF light welterweight (1992), WBC welterweight (1993-1997) and WBA light middleweight (1995). With brilliant hand speed, the elusive southpaw scored wins over such formidable foes as Jorge Paez, James “Buddy” McGirt and Hall of Famer Azumah Nelson. A showman in the ring, Whitaker was widely considered boxing’s best “pound for pound” fighter during his championship reigns. He retired in 2001 with a 40-4-1 (17 KOs) record. In 2007 he was elected into the Hall of Fame.
The June 5-8th Hall of Fame Induction Weekend will feature over 20 exciting events including a banquet, parade, boxing autograph card show, 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.