The Boxing Hall of Fame was a thrilling place to be on Sunday for boxing enthusiasts and movie fans alike. Canastota had a "Hollywood feel" to it as Mike Tyson and Sylvester Stallone were among the 2011 inductees. Tyson thrilled everybody by taking part in the traditional parade, along with other inductees like Mexican Champion Julio Ceasar Chavez and referee Joe Cortez. A mob surrounded "Sly" Stallone as he approached the stage. Chants of Rocky grew louder and louder, as Stallone was being honored for writing the script to the 1976 movie "Rocky" and for portraying the fictional boxing icon. He dedicated his speech to those who truly get into the ring and take the blows. He ended his speech, much to the delight of the crowd, by yelling "Yo Adrian!! I did it!!".
Mike Tyson showed a lot of emotion during his speech, and was unable to finish it. Russian-born junior welterweight Kostya Tszyu and Mexican trainer Ignacio "Nacho" Beristain were also among the 2011 inductees.
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CANASTOTA, N.Y. (AP) - Mike Tyson broke down in tears and cut short his speech while Sylvester Stallone proclaimed "Yo, Adrian, I did it!" as the two stars from different fields were inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame on Sunday.
Mexican champ Julio Cesar Chavez, Russian-born junior welterweight Kostya Tszyu, Mexican trainer Ignacio "Nacho" Beristain and referee Joe Cortez also were inducted.
Tyson tried to honor the late trainer Cus D'Amato, who became his legal guardian after Tyson's mother died and taught him the sweet science. But his eyes welled with tears and he apologized and walked away from the dais after only a moment or two.
The "Rocky" movie series, which began in 1976, made Stallone what he is today and also captured boxing's heart for decades. The actor wrote the script about an underdog boxer from Philadelphia named Rocky Balboa and then played the part in the movies.
Posthumous honorees enshrined included: bantamweight Memphis Pal Moore, light heavyweight champion Jack Root and middleweight Dave Shade in the old-timer category; British heavyweight John Gully in the pioneer category; promoter A.F. Bettinson; and former BBC broadcaster Harry Carpenter.
