INTERNATIONAL BOXING HALL OF FAME TO INDUCT LARRY MERCHANT

This weekend, boxing fans from around the world will gather in Canastota, NY for the International Boxing Hall of Fame's annual induction weekend. Among those being honored is HBO boxing analyst Larry Merchant. Philly Boxing History extends a special congratulations to Merchant, who served as the Sports Editor of the Philadelphia Daily News for many years. Although Merchant has gained great status and celebrity for his HBO telecasts, and is no doubt being inducted on the strength of his broadcast excellence, we like to think that his days in Philly played a key role in his development as a Hall of Famer. This year, Hall of Fame honors will also go to Lennox Lewis, Orlando Canizales, Brian Mitchell, PA's Billy Soose, and nine others. We will take a few days off to attend the festivities in Canastota, and to congratulate Larry in person.
______________________________________________________________

MERCHANT ENTERS HALL

The International Boxing Hall of Fame inducted its class of 2009 on Sunday, June 14th. The class included former Philadelphia Daily News Sports Editor Larry Merchant, who was honored for his work as a boxing commentator for HBO. In his acceptance speech, Merchant acknowledged Daily News legend Jack McKinney.  The remainder of the class was a varied group with a real international flavor.

IBHOF CLASS OF 2009
Modern Category:
Lennox Lewis
Brian Mitchell
Orlando Canizales

Old-Timer Category:
William 'Gorilla' Jones
Mysterious Billy Smith
Billy Soose

Pioneer Category:
Tom Hyer

Non-Participant Category:
Bob Goodman (promoter / matchmaker / publicist)
Billy Gibson (manager)
Abe J. Greene (commissioner)
Akihiko Honda (promoter)

Observer Category:
Larry Merchant (broadcaster)
Paul Gallico (journalist)
Hugh McIlvanney (journalist)

______________________________________________________________

John DiSanto - Canastota, NY - June 14, 2009
 

HOME

2009 STORIES