WKTV — If you were looking for something exciting to do on a Sunday afternoon, there were plenty of opportunities.
Boxing has garnered attention throughout the region, with hundreds of people gathering on Sunday to celebrate.
Crowds gathered in Canastota and Verona on Sunday to celebrate the great sport of boxing and beloved community members. Dozens of boxing's biggest stars marched through the streets of Canastota in the Parade of Champions early Sunday afternoon. Attendees saw names like Ricky Hatton, Ivan Calderon, Ana Maria Torres, Jane Couch, Michael Spinks and Jimmy Lennon Jr. run down North Peterborough Street, just a few blocks from the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Several school marching bands and dance groups also participated, as well as emergency medical personnel, businesses and organizations.
Some came for the boxers, others for the musicians and dancers – there was something for everyone to enjoy at the annual parade that coincides with the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
The official induction ceremony was officiated by Jimmy Lennon Jr. Thirteen boxing legends were honored with induction.
Six former boxers, Ricky Hatton, Michael Moore, Ana Maria Torres, Jane Couch, Ivan Calderon and the late Diego Corrales are among those nominated in the Modern Boxer category, along with boxing writer Wallace Matthews and the late sportscaster Nick Charles in the Observer category.
Trainer Kenny Adams, publicist Fred Sternberg and publicist/manager Jackie Cullen were entered in the non-participant division. The late boxer Luis Angel Firpo was honored in the Old Timers division and the late Teresa Kibby was inducted into the Women's Trailblazer division.
