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By Cliff Rold - The 2008 vote for the International Boxing Hall of Fame is in and the results, as always, provide food for thought. Easy entrant Lennox Lewis was joined by overdue names “Mysterious” Billy Smith and Brian Mitchell, overlooked talents Billy Soose and Gorilla Jones, and a debatable but ultimately selected Orlando Canizales. None was unworthy of their selection and left behind a career to be proud of.
It’s never too early to think about next year.
With three names removed from contention for the Hall of Fame, three slots presumably open up. With each well past the five year retirement prerequisite needed for eligibility, has it come time to open this ********ic process to Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank and Steve Collins?
Sometimes called the “British Three,” or “British Four” when including the tragically shortened tenure of Michael Watson, the title is a bit of a misnomer. Collins was an Irishman and Orange/Green rivalry likely precludes his ever wishing to be identified as a Brit. However, during the 90s, it was a series of fights largely contested in the United Kingdom between these warriors which defined them all.
They were more than just those fights and, even if not all at once, each man is more than qualified to be up for a vote. Their omission to date is an oversight which bears correcting, especially in light of other names either already selected or awaiting their calls. [details]
It’s never too early to think about next year.
With three names removed from contention for the Hall of Fame, three slots presumably open up. With each well past the five year retirement prerequisite needed for eligibility, has it come time to open this ********ic process to Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank and Steve Collins?
Sometimes called the “British Three,” or “British Four” when including the tragically shortened tenure of Michael Watson, the title is a bit of a misnomer. Collins was an Irishman and Orange/Green rivalry likely precludes his ever wishing to be identified as a Brit. However, during the 90s, it was a series of fights largely contested in the United Kingdom between these warriors which defined them all.
They were more than just those fights and, even if not all at once, each man is more than qualified to be up for a vote. Their omission to date is an oversight which bears correcting, especially in light of other names either already selected or awaiting their calls. [details]
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