Thirteen new members have been elected to the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame (PABHOF). Leading the Class of 2022 are all-time greats Bernard Hopkins and Michael Spinks along with former world champions Michael Moorer and Freddie Pendleton. Other boxers to be inducted include title challengers Zahir Raheem and Lou Bizzarro, as well as old-timers Battling (Al) Murray and Dick Welsh. In the Non-Boxer Category, matchmaker Harold Moore, referee Tommy Reid, manager-advisor Rob Murray, and trainers Tony Bersani and Tom Yankello were also elected.
This will be the 64th class of inductees by the PABHOF, the longest-running boxing hall of fame in the world. The date and venue of the event have not yet been determined, but the 2022 PABHOF ceremony is expected to take place this summer. For more information, please contact John DiSanto (609-377-6413 / [email protected]).
– Zahir Raheem’s last fight was in 2014.
– Not a bad resume per Box Rec.
– Didn’t know that he was from Philly.
– Did not know that Michael Moorer was from Monessen, PA, near Pittsburgh.
– The Spinks jinx was born in Saint Louis, Missouri, per Box Rec.
– Fought a lot in Atlantic City, NJ.
– Not sure why he would go into the PA BHOF….
It’s pretty common for state and city level boxing halls of fame to induct out-of-towners who either trained or fought locally.
– Counted 6 times that Bernard Hopkins fought at the legendary Blue Horizon in North Philly – one of the best places to have ever watched live boxing…..
– Freddie Pendleton’s first fight was in 1981.
– Last fight was in 2001 against Ricky Hatton.
– A 20 year career.
Was hoping it was Cory Spinks. He had some entertaining fights vs Judah.
– Cory Spinks was born in Saint Louis, Missouri, per Box Rec.
– Last fight was in 2013.
– Fought Judah in 2004 and 2005.
– Take care.
Kind of wondering what took them so long in the case of Hopkins.
The PABHOF has a 5-year rule: a fighter must be retired for at least 5 years before going on the ballot.
I didn’t realize Spinks wasn’t in until.now. I would have thought he was a first-ballot HOF’er. He was undisclosed champion at Light-heavyweight, and the first ever LH champion to win the Heavyweight title. Wonder why it took.this long?
USFBulls727:
– It’s the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame.
– I’m still trying to figure out what Michael Spinks has to do with boxing in the State of PA.
My bad. Had my head up my a$$ on that one…
Michael Spinks came to Philadelphia to train early in his career. He lived in Philly and trained at the Joe Frazier Gym. He was finally nominated for the PABHOF, so he went on the ballot and was elected in his first try.
Thank you for that info, John.
Spinks lived and trained in Philly during his pro career.
Glad to see Spinks and Hopkins enshrined.
Spinks the best at 175 that I’ve ever seen and Hopkins was great but Hagler hands down was absolutely superior in every which way!
Bad Benny Briscoe would have beaten Hopkins.
strong class
Michael Spinks was a pleasure to watch in the 70s and 80s. Many of his fights against top contenders were on free tv. Imagine that!! Michael was quiet and dignified. A true Hall of Fame Fighter.
Michael Spinks was a great light heavyweight. Unfortunately I’ve always found he him to be very been rude in public. He acts like he doesn’t want to be at the events and doesn’t want to be put out by answering a question or having his picture taken. His brother Leon was the nicest guy ever. R.I.P. Leon. Nonetheless, I respect Michael as a fighter although not so much as a person.
Great class of inductees..