Senate Resolution No. 1709

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Nick Charles posthumously 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 broadcast journalists who distinguished themselves through
their exceptional story-telling in sports, attaining unprecedented
success and the highest level of personal achievement; Nick Charles 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
Nick Charles posthumously upon the occasion of his induction into the
International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum; he will be honored within
the Observer category for his role as a Broadcaster at the 35th
Anniversary celebration from June 6-9, 2024, in Canastota, New York; and

WHEREAS, Born on June 30, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois, Nick Charles
graduated from Columbia College-Chicago, earning his bachelor's degree
in broadcast journalism; he began his career in Springfield, Illinois in
1970 before moving to Baltimore and Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, On June 1, 1980, Nick Charles debuted on CNN, the new
24-hour news channel, then skyrocketed to national prominence as co-host
of Sports Tonight, earning three Cable Ace Awards; and

WHEREAS, Remaining at CNN until 2001, Nick Charles was pursued by
Showtime to be its blow-by-blow voice of the new series ShoBox: the New
Generation; with unabashed enthusiasm and an ability to tell
illustrative stories, he called action for nearly a decade before
stepping back in 2009 due to health setbacks; and

WHEREAS, Returning to the mic to call his last ShoBox fight on April
30, 2010, Nick Charles decided to take a step back to focus on
treatment; and also valiantly broadcasted two more bouts, featuring
Humberto Soto and Mikey Garcia in December of 2010 on HBO; and

WHEREAS, During his career, Nick Charles covered all-time greats
including Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvelous Marvin Hagler and
Mike Tyson; he was deservedly awarded the BWAA Sam Taub Award for
Excellence in Broadcast Journalism in 2007; and

WHEREAS, After a brave battle with cancer, Nick Charles passed away
on June 25, 2011, leaving behind a legacy that will long outlast his
existence and bring joy to his memory; and

WHEREAS, Nick Charles 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 Nick Charles posthumously 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 the family of Nick Charles.