Ray Mercer Ready For HOF Weekend

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CANASTOTA, NY – MAY 7, 2013 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced Olympic gold medalist and former heavyweight champion “Merciless” Ray Mercer is set to return to Canastota for the 24th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend festivities, June 6-9th.

“From the Olympics to the professional ranks, Ray Mercer gave boxing fans plenty of memorable moments,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “He’s a real fan favorite and we’re excited about him returning to Canastota for this year’s festivities.”

Mercer compiled an 85-6 amateur record and captured the 1988 Olympic heavyweight gold medal. He turned pro in 1989 and won the WBO title from Francesco Damiani in 1991 (KO 9). In his first defense he scored a dramatic 5th round TKO over Tommy “The Duke” Morrison. Stripped of the title in 1992, he went on to score wins over Tim Witherspoon and Darroll Wilson among others. Mercer’s pro record stands at 36-7-1 (26 KOs) and includes wins over Bert Cooper, Kimmuel Odum and Ossie Ocasio.

Events planned for the weekend include a banquet, a night of welterweight warriors, parade, golf tournament, boxing autograph card show, cocktail party and the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 2013. Inductees include two-division champion Arturo “Thunder” Gatti (posthumous), five-time world champion Virgil “Quicksilver” Hill and two-time light flyweight champion Myung-Woo Yuh in the Modern category; “Let’s Get It On” referee Mills Lane, ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. and journalist Colin Hart. Posthumous inductees in the Old-Timer, Pioneer, Non-Participant and Observer categories will also be honored.

An impressive list of over 40 boxing greats from the United States and abroad are scheduled to participate in weekend festivities including Marvelous Marvin Hagler, “Irish” Micky Ward, James “Buddy” McGirt, Pipino Cuevas, Carlos Palomino, Aaron “The Hawk” Pryor, Julian Jackson, Wayne McCullough, Lucia Rijker, Mia St. John, Gerry Cooney, Gasper Ortega, Tony DeMarco, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Tracy Harris Patterson, Ruben Olivares, Carlos Ortiz and many more.

For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 24th Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095, visit online at www.ibhof.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InternationalBoxingHallofFame and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BoxingHall.

http://www.eastsideboxing.com/2013/ray-mercer-ready-for-hof-weekend/