Senate Resolution No. 1702

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Michael "Double M" Moorer upon the
occasion of his induction into the International
Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding professionals in the boxing industry who distinguished
themselves through their exceptional performance, attaining
unprecedented success and the highest level of personal achievement;
Michael "Double M" Moorer is one such individual and his life of
achievements inspired others and contributed to the respect and
admiration of the sport of boxing; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Michael "Double M" Moorer upon the occasion of his induction into the
International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum; he will be honored within
the Modern category of boxers at the 35th Anniversary celebration from
June 6-9, 2024, in Canastota, New York; and

WHEREAS, Born in Brooklyn, New York on November 12, 1967, Michael
Moorer grew up in Monessen, Pennsylvania and began boxing when his
grandfather took him to the local gym; and

WHEREAS, Relocating to Detroit, Michael Moorer trained under Emanuel
Steward at the famous Kronk Gym before achieving professional status in
1988; winning his first 26 contests with knockouts, in his 12th bout he
captured the inaugural WBO light heavyweight title with a 5th round TKO
of Ramzi Hassan; and

WHEREAS, Double M successfully defended the crown nine times,
including stoppages over Frankie Swindell (TKO 6) and Leslie Stewart
(TKO 8), before vacating the belt and moving to heavyweight in 1991; and

WHEREAS, Wins over Levi Billups (TKO 3), Mike White (W 10), and
Everett Martin (W 10) preceded a WBO heavyweight title winning fight
against Bert Cooper (TKO 5) in 1992 to become the first southpaw
heavyweight champion in history; and

WHEREAS, Two years later, Michael Moorer captured the WBA / IBF
titles with a 12-round win over Evander Holyfield; he lost the titles to
George Foreman (KO by 10), but rebounded to regain the IBF strap from
Axel Schultz (W 12) in 1996; and

WHEREAS, After two defenses in matches against Frans Botha (TKO 12)
and Vaughn Bean (W 12), Michael Moorer lost a rematch with Holyfield
(TKO by 8); and

WHEREAS, Inactive for three years following the Holyfield loss,
Michael Moorer returned to the ring in 2000 and fought until 2008;
Double M retired with a pro ledger of 52-4-1 (40 KOs); and

WHEREAS, Michael "Double M" Moorer clearly contributed to the spirit
of excellence which is a tradition of the International Boxing Hall of
Fame; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such outstanding accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Michael "Double M" Moorer upon the occasion of his induction into
the International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Michael "Double M" Moorer.