LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the International Boxing Hall of Fame
upon the occasion of its 25th Anniversary

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
outstanding institutions within our midst that have had a significant
impact on our culture by effectively preserving and honoring New York's
rich history; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York, upon the
occasion of its 25th Anniversary to be celebrated during Hall of Fame
weekend June 5-8, 2014; and
WHEREAS, For the past 25 years, the mission of the International
Boxing Hall of Fame has been to honor and preserve boxing's rich herit-
age, chronicle the achievements of those who have excelled in the sport,
and to provide an educational experience to thousands of visitors each
year; and
WHEREAS, Beginning more than a century ago with the reign of heavy-
weight champion John L. Sullivan, professional boxing champions have
been among the most celebrated athletes in United States history, but
for many years, there was no structure to chronicle and preserve that
history; and
WHEREAS, The idea for an International Boxing Hall of Fame grew out of
Canastota's desire to honor two of their hometown boxing champions and
all other boxing legends, so a large group of dedicated boxing enthusi-
asts from the Village of Canastota and the Town of Lenox united to
establish a home for the sport, and what would be the first boxing hall
of fame on the East Coast; and
WHEREAS, In 1989, the International Boxing Hall of Fame was completed,
and two dozen boxing legends witnessed the momentous occasion with a
ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration; and
WHEREAS, One year later, the first class of boxing legends, Muhammad
Ali, Emile Griffith, Carmen Basilio, Billy Conn, Willie Pep, Bob Foster,
Jake LaMotta, Kid Gavilan, Jose Napoles, Archie Moore, Sandy Saddler,
Carlos Monzon, Joe Frazier, and Jersey Joe Walcott, was inducted into
the International Boxing Hall of Fame; and
WHEREAS, Over the past 25 years, the International Boxing Hall of Fame
has honored and inducted 412 boxers, trainers and other contributors to
the sport worldwide; the Hall of Fame has also expanded by adding a wing
with interactive exhibits to the Museum and an event pavilion adjacent
to the Hall; and
WHEREAS, The International Boxing Hall of Fame holds an annual
induction ceremony in early June as the highlight of a four-day cele-
bration; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the International Boxing Hall of Fame upon the occasion of its
25th Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the International Boxing Hall of Fame.