It’s early December, which means it’s time for the International Boxing Hall of Fame to announce the latest suite of pugilists who biffed their way into immortality.
This year’s inductees, who will enter the IBHOF halls early next June:
- Ricky Hatton, a two-division champion and one of England’s most beloved sluggers.
- Michael Moorer, a two-division champion who became boxing’s first southpaw heavyweight titlist.
- Ivan Calderon, a two-division champion and 2010 Fight of the Year participant who made 11 successful defenses of the WBO minimumweight title.
- The late Diego Corrales, a two-division champion and author of one of the greatest comebacks in boxing history against Jose Luis Castillo.
- Longtime super flyweight titlist Ana Maria “La Guerrera” Torres.
- Jane Couch, England’s first-ever licensed female boxer.
- Journalist and former BWAA president Wallace Matthews.
- Publicist to the stars Fred Sternburg.
- Kenny Adams, trainer of 26 world champions and the 1998 U.S. Olympic team.
- Late Showtime and HBO broadcaster Nick Charles.
- Groundbreaking publisher and manager Jackie Kallen.
- The late Luis Firpo, Argentine legend and subject of one of sports’ most iconic paintings.
- Native American trailblazer Theresa Kibby.
“This is something great, a dream come true. I dreamed to be a boxer. I dreamed to be a world champion. I especially dreamed to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. And now I’ve got everything!” – Ivan Calderon
“That’s incredible. You never think of when you lace the gloves on at 10 years old that you’ll end up in the Hall of Fame with some of the great fighters already there. I’m a bit speechless. There’s no greater honor. I’m delighted.” – Ricky Hatton
“I appreciate this very much. The Hall of Fame Wall is the wall of the elite, and I am so happy to be inducted alongside some of my favorite boxers like Salvador Sanchez, Alexis Arguello and Marvelous Marvin Hagler. I made it to the elite.” – Michael Moorer
“Oh my God, I’m in shock over this news. Wow! I can’t believe it. I’m so excited and cannot wait to get to Canastota and meet everyone during the Induction Weekend.” – Jane Couch
It is a great honor to be in the International Boxing Hall of Fame with great champions. I am very happy! Thanks to my mom, who has always been with me. My husband, my children and I have taken this great news as another championship.” – Ana Maria Torres
“This feels great to get this news. I can now say that I’ve reached the highest point in the sport of boxing.” – Kenny Adams
“I’m so happy I could cry! I’ve wanted this for so long. I am so elated I don’t know what to say. To be recognized for my 45 years in the sport is amazing and I’m so appreciative. I’m looking forward to a wonderful experience at Induction Weekend.” – Jackie Kallen
“I am stunned. Working in boxing has been such great fun. I have had the good fortune to work with some very remarkable people, including world champions and contenders, promoters, managers, and television executives, trainers and fellow public relations practitioners, all who were generous with their time and taught me so much. Inside the International Boxing Hall of Fame, there are plaques dedicated to boxing legends of all generations. It is a privilege to join them.” – Fred Sternburg
“I never went into this for awards or money. I went into it to help the fighters because I love boxing and to know that I’m going to be honored among the athletes that I respected and loved as a kid is a great honor and humbling.” – Wallace Matthews
“I’m over the moon happy to hear that Diego will be enshrined with his boxing peers and family that he loves so much at the International Boxing Hall of Fame in the Class of 2024. Our entire family thanks the voting committee for recognizing the hard work and dedication that Diego gave the sport of boxing with the highest level of recognition a Champion can ever ask for. I’m sure Diego is smiling from ear to ear as I accept this news on his behalf. Thank you.” – Michelle Corrales-Lewis.