“Those being honored tonight are humble, honorable people,” NYSBHOF president Bob Duffy hais tias. “We do this as an act of love. Many of the inductees are here today and those no longer with us are represented by family members. This is our way of saying thank you to all the inductees for what they have done for boxing in New York.”

Class of 2018 living boxers inducted heading into the NYSBHOF included (Ntev Island) WBA teeb heavyweight Lou “Honey tub” Valley (36-6-2, 22 Kos), (Central Islip) IBF Junior Welterweight ntiaj teb tau zus ib Jake Rodriguez (28-8-2, 8 Kos), (Brooklyn) ntiaj teb no sib title challenger Terrence Alli (52-15-2, 21 Kos), undefeated, No.; 1 Heavyweight contender “Tus me nyuam” Joe Mesi (twm) and former world cruiserweight champion Al “Ice” Cole (Rockland County).

Posthumous participants inducted were NBA & NYSAC ntiaj teb Featherweight Champion (Manhattan) Kid “Cuban Bon Bon” Qhob noom xim kasfes (136-10-6, 51 Kos), (New York City) 20^thxyoo pua heavyweight James J. “zoo Jim” Corbett (11-4-3, 5 Kos), (Williamsburg) Lub ntiaj teb no Hnav zus Jack “Lub Napoleon ntawm Lub nqi zog nplhaib” McAuliffe, (Kingston) WBC Super Hnav Champion Billy Costello (40-2, 23 Kos), (beacon) NYSAC teeb Heavyweight ntiaj teb tau zus Melio Bettina (83-14-3, 36 Kos), (Brooklyn / Yonkers) ntiaj teb no-chav kawm middleweight Ralph “Tsov” Jones (52-32-5, 13 Kos) thiab (Chaw nres nkoj Washington) Heavyweight contender Charley “Lub Bayonne Bomber” Norkus (33-19, 19 Kos).

Living non-participants now in the NYSBHOF are (Troy) Pulitzer yam khoom muaj nqis-winning sportswriter Dave Anderson, (Brooklyn) tus kws qhia / advisor Pete Brodsky, (Rockaway) boxing historian / editor Tshuaj ntsuab Goldman, (Bronx) matchmaker Bobby Goodman, (Ardsley) NYSAC thawj / tus kws txiav txim Melvina Lathan, thiab (Brooklyn) NYSAC Chairperson/matchmaker/promoter Ron Scott Stevens.

Posthumous non-participant inductees were (Brooklyn) nplhaib announcer Johnnie Addie, (Brooklyn) matchmaker Johnny Bos, (Bronx) boxing publicist Murray Goodman, (New York City) boxing txawj sau ntawv / historian Bert Randolph Qab Zib thiab (Lower East Side) radio & TV announcer / journalist Sam Taub.

Txhua mus kawm inductee (los yog ncaj xeeb leej xeeb ntxwv ntawm) received a custom-designed belt signifying his or her induction into the NYSBHOF.

Lub 2017 inductees raug xaiv los ntawm cov NYSBHOF nominating pawg neeg:Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Randy Gordon, Henry Hascup, Don Majeski, Ron McNair, thiab Neil Terens.

Tag nrho boxers yuav tsum tau mus yuav tsaug zog rau tsawg kawg peb lub xyoos yuav tsum tau tsim nyog rau NYSBHOF induction, thiab tag nrho cov inductees yuav tsum tau nyob rau hauv New York State rau ib tug tseem ceeb feem ntawm lawv boxing hauj lwm los yog thaum lub sij hawm lub prime ntawm lawv cov hauj lwm.

Boxers who attended the seventh annual NSBHOF included NYSBHOF past inductees Iran Barkley, Junior Jones, Mustafa Hamsho, Bobby Cassidy, Sr., Bobby Bartels, thiab Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, raws li zoo raws li Monte Barrett, Ray Mercer, Dennis Milton, Richard Kiley, Scott Lopez, Michael Corleone, Tommy Rainone, Kevin Collins, Cletus Seldin, James Duran, Victor Paz, thiab Jaime Dugan. Other notable attendees from the boxing world included Mike Reno (FDNY Boxing), Darryl Peoples (IBF), international judges Steve Wesisfeld thiab John MacKay, and NYSBHOF inductees Tommy Gallagher thiab Bobby Miller, and Emmy-award winning producer Bobby Cassidy, Jr.

David Diamante served once again as Master of Ceremonies. Special presentations were made to the daughter of the late Steve Acunto, Donna Acunto, and Miller’s close friend, Dave Wojcicki.

QUOTES & PICTURES FROM THE NYSBHOF INDUCTEES

(L-R) – Ron McNair, Jake Rodriguez and Bob Duffy JAKE RODRIGUEZ: “I want to thank Ring 8 for the opportunity for me to be here. I’d also like to thank my wife for always being there for me, and my trainer.” (L-R) – Tshuaj ntsuab Goldman, Don Majeski and Bob Duffy HERB GOLDMAN: “If I have made any contributions to boxing – I hope I have – I did by redefining record keeping and creating a new perspective on boxing history. I’m proud of that, but I didn’t do it alone.” (L-R) – Joe Mesi, Jack Hirsch and Bob Duffy JOE MESI: “I have so many people to thank for this honor. I’m a Buffalonian. There’s nobody more in favor of one New York, but it’s not. This is special for me because it’s the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame. This solidifies me and makes me think I’m not just a local boy. There was a huge disadvantage coming from a small city, sparring wasn’t the same as in the gyms of New York City, but I had an advantage coming from Western New York. Nobody was welling out like we did in Buffalo with 10,000, ces 16,00 and finally 18,000 neeg. They were always behind me and I share this with them because their support made me. My dream was to fight in Buffalo and to continue to fight there. “One of the highlights of my life was fighting Monte Barrett on HBO in Madison Square Garden. He was one of the greatest fighters in the world who fought for the world title. I always wanted to get my world title shot, but I never got it. That’s okay, I was little bitter for a while, but I couldn’t be happier with my career. The best part of boxing is the brotherhood we share. (L-R) – Randy Gordon, Ron Scott Stevens and Bob Duffy RON SCOTT STEVENS: “I know people always say it, but this is the truth: I owe so many people who have supported me throughout my career. Boxing has always been home away from home for me and today I feel like I’m home. “Kuv yog 30, living in Brooklyn Heights, and back driving a taxi a waiting on tables. A light went off in my head: boxing is the sport of the underdog and I’m an underdog. The next day I went to Gleason’s Gym – the center of the universe. I made my way around all the gyms in the city, meeting promoters, managers and trainers. I started making matches for promoters and then Cedric Kushner hired me from 1980-2002. Nyob rau hauv 2002, I got a call to work for the New York State Athletic Commission as its Community Co-Ordinator and Director of Boxing. Ces, I was made chairman and I served two terms. Hnub no, I’m extremely proud to be part of the New York State Boxing Hall of Fame. (L-R) – Bob Duffy, Henry Hascup, Bob Goodman and Tommy Gallagher BOB GOODMAN: “I can’t believe this crowd. In order to do what we do, the sacrifices and support you get from your family is so important and (in Goodman’s case) was for so many years. They allowed us to do what we do. All of us love boxing!” (L-R) – Ray Mercer, Penny Allen, Al Cole, Clay Jenkins and Bob Duffy AL COLE: “I thought boxing was the stupidest and dumbest sport ever. Who wanted to get punched in the face? I started boxing late. I played around some and people said I was pretty good. I started boxing when I was 20, in the Army, stationed at Ft. Hood. Four years later, I was on the Olympic Team. The reason why is I had a great sparring partner, Ray Mercer. If I was going to be in the ring everyday with Ray, I was either going to get beat up, or get better. “I remember Bob Arum giving me his business card. I didn’t know him. I only knew of three people in boxing: Don King, Muhammad Ali thiab Qab zib Ray Leonard. I didn’t follow boxing and the only reason I boxed was I would have had to sleep in the woods if I didn’t (in Army). Boxing is: hit him, before he hits me.” (L-R) – Bobby Cassidy, Jr., Jaime Drubin and Pete Brodsky PETE BRODSKY: “I want to thank the board. I’m going to be 70 and started in boxing when I was 18. It created a new direction in my life. I’m so proud to be in company with guys who didn’t just talk it, they loved it. If you really love this sport, you really have to learn it. Any man who stepped in the ring, plus all the roadwork, time in the gym and sacrificing what they eat, did it to be the best they can be. “In boxing, you’re not going to win every fight, but whether a fighter wins or loses, if he gives 100-percent, he’s a winner. They work a job, run five miles day, workout at the gym, and then went home to spend time with his family. Friends and family always have your back.” (L-R) – Darryl Peoples & Melvina Lathan MELVINA LATHAM: “I’m speechless. It’s wonderful. Randy (former NYSAC chairperson Gordon), do you remember this story? There were only three judges and, hmoov tsis, one called in sick. I was sitting at ringside with no responsibilities. Randy said I had to workhmo no. I said that I wasn’t licensed and couldn’t do it. Randy said, ‘Raise your right hand’, and it was on. I was thrown in there, but it was okay. “My greatest accomplishments are my children and husband. I couldn’t ask for a better situation. Thiab Ralph Petrillo is part of my family; he was my second in command. I also had the best officials: deputy commissioners, inspectors, judges and referees. I wouldn’t be here with without them. Bob Duffy put this whole thing together. I personally think he’s amazing. My journey continues, I am blessed.” NYSBHOF HOOB ntawm 2012: Carmen Basilio, Mike McCallum, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Riddick Bowe, Carlos Ortiz, Vito Antuofermo, Emile Griffith, “Qab Zib” Ray Robinson, Noob Tunney, Benny Leonard, Tony Canzoneri, Harold Lederman, Steve Acunto, Jimmy Glenn, Gil Clancy, Ray Arcel, Leej Fleischer, Bill Gallo thiab Arthur Mercante, Sr. HOOB ntawm 2013: Jack Dempsey, Johnny Dundee, Sandy Saddler, Maxie Rosenbloom, Joey Archer, Iran Barkley, Mark Breland, Bobby Cassidy, Doug Jones, Junior Jones, James “Phooj ywg” McGirt, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Bob Arum, Shelly Finkel, Tony Graziano, Larry ua lag luam, Teddy Brenner, Mike Jacobs, Txhab Rickard thiab Don Dunphy. HOOB NTAWM 2014: Floyd Patterson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Billy Backus, Kevin Kelley, Juan LaPorte, Gerry Cooney, Mustafa Hamsho, Howard Davis, Jr., Lou Ambers, Jack Britton, Terry McGovern, Teddy Atlas, Lou DiBella, Steve Farhood, Noob Moore, Angelo Prospero, Whitey Bimstein, Cus D'Amato, William Muldoon thiab Tom O'Rourke. HOOB NTAWM 2015: Xa-u Mamby, Joey Giamba, Johnny Persol, Harold Weston, Lonnie Bradley, Paul Berlenbach, Billy Graham, Frankie Genaro, Bob Miller, Tommy Ryan, Jimmy Slattery, Bob Duffy, Mike Katz, Tommy Gallagher, Bruce Silverglade, Charley Goldman, Jimmy Johnston, Cedric Kushner, Harry Markson, Damon Runyon thiab Al Weill. HOOB NTAWM 2016: Aaron Davis, Charles Murray, Vilomar Fernandez, Edwin Viruet, Hector “macho” Camacho, Rocky Graziano, Rocky Kansas, Joe Lynch, Joe Miceli, Ed Brophy, Joe DeGuardia, Randy Gordon, Dennis Rappaport, Howie Albert, Freddie Brown, Howard Cosell, Ruby Goldstein thiab Jimmy Jacobs. HOOB NTAWM 2017: Gaspar Ortega, Renaldo “Mr.” Snipes, Doug DeWitt, “Lub Bronx Bomber” Alex Ramos, Dick Tsov, Jose Torres, “Nonpareil” Jack Dempsey, Don Majeski, Ron Katz, Stan Hoffman, Bobby Bartels, Hank Kaplan, Al Gavin, Arthur Donovan thiab Dan Parker.