Assembly Resolution No. 1284

BY: M. of A. Magee

CONGRATULATING the International Boxing Hall of
Fame upon the occasion of celebrating its 29th
Anniversary June7-10, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
outstanding institutions within our midst, and those who lead them, that
have had a significant impact on our culture by effectively preserving
and honoring New York State's rich history; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate the International Boxing Hall of Fame upon the occasion of
celebrating its 29th Anniversary during Hall of Fame weekend June 7-10,
2018; and

WHEREAS, For almost three decades, the mission of the International
Boxing Hall of Fame, located in Canastota, New York, has been to honor
and preserve the rich heritage of boxing, chronicle the achievements of
those athletes 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
heavyweight 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,
former welterweight and middleweight champion of the late 1950s, Carmen
Basilio, and his nephew, Billy Backus, who won the world welterweight
title in 1970; and

WHEREAS, In 1982, a large group of dedicated boxing enthusiasts from
the Canastota area came together to establish a home for the sport,
raising money for a showcase that would celebrate the achievement of
their local heroes, and all heroes in the sport of boxing; and

WHEREAS, In 1989, the International Boxing Hall of Fame was
completed; two dozen boxing legends witnessed the momentous occasion
with a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration; the facility would
become the first boxing hall of fame on the East Coast; and

WHEREAS, The first class of boxing legends was inducted into the
International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1980; inductees included: the late
boxing great Muhammad Ali, as well as Henry Armstrong, Carmen Basilio,
Ezzard Charles, Billy Conn, Bob Foster, Joe Frazier, Kid Gavilan, Emile
Griffith, Jake LaMotta, Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, Carlos Monzon, Archie
Moore, Jose Napoles, Willie Pep, "Sugar" Ray Robinson, Sandy Saddler,
"Jersey" Joe Walcott, and Ike Williams; and

WHEREAS, Over the past 29 years, the International Boxing Hall of
Fame has honored and inducted hundreds of boxers, trainers and other
contributors to the sport worldwide; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, the International Boxing Hall of Fame has
expanded its facility 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
celebration; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the International Boxing Hall of Fame upon the occasion of
celebrating its 29th Anniversary during Hall of Fame weekend June 7-10,
2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Executive Director Edward Brophy, International Boxing
Hall of Fame.