Honor Boxing Hall Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 5536 BY: Senator DEFRANCISCO 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,