The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today Mexico’s legendary three-division world champion Julio Cesar Chavez will attend the 2016 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend June 9-12th in Canastota to honor his countryman, two-division champion and 2016 inductee Lupe Pintor.
“Lupe Pintor was one of those champions who inspired me to get into the ring with his heart and relentless attitude. I’m very excited to be present with him on this very important day,” said 2011 Hall of Famer Chavez.
The fighting pride of Culiacan, Mexico, Chavez captured titles in three weight divisions – junior lightweight (WBC), lightweight (WBA / WBC) and junior welterweight (WBC / IBF). He compiled an incredible professional record of 107-6-2 (86 KOs) that includes wins over Jose Luis Ramirez, Roger Mayweather, Greg Haugen, Meldrick Taylor, Rocky Lockridge, Juan LaPorte, Tony Lopez and Hall of Famers Edwin Rosario and Hector Camacho. Utilizing a relentless, aggressive style and vicious body attack, Chavez became a national hero in Mexico and one of the most popular fighters in history.
Events planned for the weekend include a banquet, Flashback Friday: 1990s Night, parade, golf tournament, boxing autograph card show, cocktail party and the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 2016.
Inductees include Puerto Rico’s multi-division champion Hector “Macho” Camacho (posthumous), Mexico’s two-division champion Pintor and Panama’s two-division champion Hilario Zapata in the Modern category; judge Harold Lederman, commissioner Marc Ratner, journalist Jerry Izenberg and broadcaster Col. Bob Sheridan.
Posthumous inductees Petey Sarron in the Old-Timer Category; and trainer Whitey Esneault in the Non-Participant Category in will also be honored.
An impressive list of over 40 boxing greats from the United States and abroad are scheduled to participate in weekend festivities.
In addition to Chavez, returning Hall of Famers include light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Michael Spinks, welterweight champion Pipino Cuevas, three-division champion Mike “The Body Snatcher” McCallum and lightweight king Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini.
Special guests confirmed to participate include gold medalist and heavyweight champion Leon Spinks, junior welterweight star “Irish” Micky Ward, heavyweight contender Gerry Cooney, 1976 Olympic gold medalist Leo Randolph, female boxing legend “The Coal Miner’s Daughter” Christy Martin and1990s heavyweight star Andrew Golota.
Additional Hall of Famers and special guests will be announced in the coming months as the 27th Annual Induction Weekend nears.
