CLASS OF 2018
ORIGINAL PIONEER INDUCTEES:
Mike Conley; Bare Knuckle Boxer, 1860-1920. Known as The Ithaca Giant. 1888 Northwest American Heavyweight Champion. Career spanned 1886-1894; record was 26-4-2. Fought the likes of Jack Ashton, Joe McAuliffe, Patsy Cardiff, Billy Woods, Jim Corbett, Bob Fitzsimmons. His image is used today many times over to represent the “Manly Man”. From Ithaca, New York.
Tom Johnson; Bare Knuckle Boxer, 1750-1797. Restored honor to the sport after decades of corruption. Champion of England from 1784 to 1791. Demonstrated early mental tactical awareness in the ring that others previously lacked.
Nat Langham; Bare Knuckle Boxer, 1820-1871. An influential English pugilist who became the English Middleweight Champion. He was the only conqueror of Tom Sayers. After defeating Sayers in 1857 he retired to manage the first-ever professional champion of the boxing world, Jem Mace.
Joe Lannon; Bare Knuckle Boxer. The Hammerer, whose career spanned 1883-93. Fought the likes of Jack Aston, George Godfrey, Jake Kilrain, and Jim Corbett. Although known as one of the top heavyweights of his time, is best known for being John L. Sullivan’s exhibition and sparring partner; no one was in the ring with Sullivan more.
MODERN HONORARY INDUCTEES:
Rick Jeanneret; Announcer. The longest reigning announcer in the NHL and member of the NHL Hall of Fame. He is “The Voice of the Buffalo Sabres”. No man in history has called more ‘bare knuckle’ fights.
Tony Gee; World-Renowned Author and Historian. Resides in England. Widely viewed as one of the top bare knuckle authorities in the world. His writings are regarded as the most accurate recordings written. Future generations will look upon his works when studying the past.
Dick Topinko; Local Gloved Boxer. Retired Buffalo, New York, boxer who brought a positive spotlight to upstate New York during his career which started in 1964. He was trained by Tony Pinto and Johnny Sudac; his manager was Sam Cardinale. Won Golden Gloves in 1965. Drafted for Vietnam War; turned pro once back home in 1968. Went 14-0 as professional; picked by The Ring in 1970 as one of the Top 5 Prospects in the World. A shoulder injury later that year forced retirement.
MARIE BACKUS TEAM OF THE YEAR:
TEAM USA JUJITSU who trained in the Sullivan barns this past summer before travelling to and participating in the 2017 World Championships in Australia last fall.
Bryana Baer; Team Member.
Mike Hanchett; Team Member.
Charlie Love; Team Member.
Desmond White; Team Member.
Barry Broughton; Coach
MARIE BACKUS PERSON OF THE YEAR:
Bill Clancy; Boxing Official. Regarded by many as the top active boxing referee in the world today. Known for his honesty, integrity, personality, but most importantly for putting the safety of boxers first above all. Has officiated in 15 states and 11 countries. Has refereed 17 world titles, 47 international fights, and 35 different world champions including main events on HBO, SHOWTIME, NBC, ESPN, USA, and par-per-view. Over 900 fights in over 33 years.
The BKBHOF induction date this year is Saturday, July 7, 2018.
BARE KNUCKLE BOXING HALL OF FAME
Scott R. Burt, President
Belfast, New York
srburt@aol.com
