The International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota announced its 2012 class on Tuesday and it recognizes some of the great fighters...and voices of the boxing world.
Famous ring announcer Michael Buffer is among the inductees, Buffer is known for his familiar phrase "Let's get ready to rumble!" and getting fans ready for the upcoming action. “Oh my God. I’m so overwhelmed. I can barely speak. I’m instantly overwhelmed. When I think of all the great inductees, from legends from 100 years ago to so many great fighters and non-participants that are now being inducted, to be thought of in such great company is the greatest compliment I can receive in my career in boxing" Buffer said upon hearing the news of his induction. Buffer is joined by broadcaster Al Bernstein, formerly of ESPN and now working for Showtime Boxing.
Among the famous fighters being inducted are Thomas "The Hit Man" Hearns and Mark Johnson. Hearns was known as a powerful middleweight fighter in the '80s and had some classic bouts with Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Roberto Duran. Johnson was a famous flyweight, and is the first African-American to win the Flyweight World Championship.
“To me this is an amazing accomplishment. It makes me so happy to know that I made it after all these years and so many fights. I’m thrilled! Muhammad Ali is my idol. He’s the man that got me into the boxing business. It’s great that I will be on the Hall of Fame Wall with him" said Hearns.
The other modern inductees include legendary trainer Freddie Roach, who is actually Manny Pacquiao's current trainer. Michael Katz, a journalist from the New York Times and New York Daily News is also joining the Class of 2012.
