Minnesota Boxing Hall of Fame Press Release:
The Minnesota Boxing Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2012
Mystic Lake chosen as venue to honor 8 Inductees
The Minnesota Boxing Hall of Fame has announced their official Class of 2012. The Induction Banquet will be held on September 28th at Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake, MN. Tickets are $60.00 and include the meal and induction ceremonies. Social hour starts at 5:00 with the meal and festivities beginning at 7:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Hall of Fame through their website at www.mnbhof.org
8 people will be inducted this year, those being:
Oscar Gardner ~ Jimmy Delaney ~ Billy Miske ~ Lee Savold ~
Jim Beattie ~ Jerry Slavin ~ Dick Cullum ~ Denny Nelson
Oscar Gardner of Minneapolis was once the Featherweight Champion of America in the 1890’s and was one of the most feared Featherweights of all time. St. Paul’s Jimmy Delaney is regarded by historians as the greatest Light Heavyweight the state has ever produced, and who fought men such as Maxie Rosenbloom, Harry Greb, and Gene Tunney. Also from St. Paul, is the legendary Heavyweight, Billy Miske, who three times fought Jack Dempsey and whose life story is well-documented as one of the most inspiring in sports history. Canby’s Lee Savold was a top contender during the 1930’s, 40’s and early 50’s, and was once the #1 rated Heavyweight in the world. Savold fought memorable battles with Lou Nova, Bruce Woodcock, Billy Conn, Joe Louis, and Rocky Marciano. St. Paul’s giant Heavyweight contender of the 1960’s & 70’s, Jim Beattie, will also be inducted. Beattie faced local rivals Scott LeDoux, Fred Askew, and Baker Boy Hurley in state thrillers, and was considered among the best in the world. Hopkins native, Jerry Slavin, whose athletic skills led to him being labeled as “the Jim Thorpe of Minnesota”, was a 2-time Golden Glove champion and lost only twice in his professional career, one being to world-rated, Don Lee. Minneapolis Tribune reporter, Dick Cullum, who covered professional boxing for 6 decades, and is generally regarded among the greatest of all sports writers in state history, will also be inducted. St. Paul referee and judge, Denny Nelson, who has officiated over 4,000 matches, including dozens of world title fights, rounds out the Class of 2012.