CANASTOTA, NY –APRIL 2, 2010 – The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today legendary junior welterweight champion Aaron “The Hawk” Pryor will celebrate the 30th anniversary of his world title win during the 21st Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend set for June 10-13th in Canastota, NY.
On August 2, 1980 Pryor brought his undefeated record (24-0, 22 KOs) into the ring against WBA junior welterweight king Antonio “Kid Pambele” Cervantes.. “The Hawk” scored a 4th round knockout over the future Hall of Famer to begin an impressive title reign that saw him defend the strap eight times before adding the IBF title to his collection in 1984. The fighting pride of Cincinnati, OH, during his career Pryor compiled a 39-1 (35 KOs record) with wins over Gaetan Hart, Alfonso Frazer and Lennox Blackmoore. In 1982 and 1983, he engaged in two legendary wars with fellow Hall of Famer Alexis Arguello (TKO 14, KO 10). In 1996 he was elected to the Hall of Fame.
“Hands down, Aaron Pryor was one of the most exciting fighters to watch,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “His aggressive, take no prisoners style endeared him to fans the world over.”
The June 10-13th Hall of Fame Induction Weekend will feature over 20 exciting events including a banquet, parade, golf tournament, cocktail party and the official induction ceremony honoring the Class of 2010. Living inductees to be honored at the Official Induction Ceremony on Sunday, June 13th are light flyweight champion Jung-Koo Chang (South Korea), featherweight champion Danny “Little Red” Lopez (USA), manager Shelly Finkel (USA), referee / commissioner Larry Hazzard (USA), promoter Wilfried Sauerland (Germany), matchmaker Bruce Trampler (USA) and journalist Ed Schuyler (USA). Posthumous inductees will also be honored.
Over 40 boxing stars are scheduled to participate in weekend festivities. In addition to Pryor, other stars slated to appear include Carmen Basilio, Tony DeMarco, Ken Norton, Nino Bevenuti, Angelo Dundee, Leon Spinks, Gerry Cooney, Lou Duva and many others.
For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 21st Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095 or visit www.ibhof.com.