The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today middleweight champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez will attend festivities planned for the 23rd Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend set for June 7-10th.
While in Canastota, Martinez will conduct two public workout sessions – Friday, June 8th and Saturday, June 9th at 1 p.m. – on the grounds of the Hall of Fame Museum.
“Sergio Martinez is a charismatic fighter who has become a true superstar and recognized the world over as one of the top pound-for-pound best in boxing,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “We’re looking forward to welcoming him back to Canastota.”
The fighting pride of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Martinez turned pro in 1997 and has captured world titles in two weight divisions, reigning as WBC light middleweight champion and WBC, WBO and The Ring middleweight champion. During his championship career, he was registered wins over Alex Bunema, Darren Barker, Kelly Pavlik and Paul Williams. In March, Martinez defeated Matthew Macklin in eleven rounds at Madison Square Garden in a bout televised live on HBO to raise his record to 49-2-2 (28 KOs). “Maravilla” will be accompanied to Canastota by trainer Pablo Sarmiento and advisor Sampson Lewkowicz.
“I’m looking forward to returning to the International Boxing Hall of Fame for the third consecutive year,” said Martinez. “I’m excited to put on public workout sessions on the Museum Grounds for the fans and the media during Induction Weekend.”
Events planned for the weekend include a banquet, a heavyweight bash, parade, golf tournament, boxing autograph card show, cocktail party and the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 2012. Living inductees to be honored at the Official Induction Ceremony on Sunday, June 10th are multi-division champion Thomas “Hitman” Hearns, two-division champion Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson, “Let’s Get Ready To Rumble” ring announcer Michael Buffer, trainer Freddie Roach, broadcaster Al Bernstein and journalist Michael Katz. Posthumous inductees 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.
For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 23rd Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095 or visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InternationalBoxingHallofFame and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BoxingHall.
