TKO Canastota NY IBHOF

Western New York has so much to offer. As we continue east, our prime objective was to reach the International Boxing Hall of fame. Located in Canastota New york. Nestled between Syracuse and interstate 81 it would seem like a strange place for a IBHOF. You would have imagined that New York City or Las Vegas or even in Oxnard California would have been a better location. For the record, it would seem that each state has their own BHOF.  There is an excellent reason for this. Be a Champ Go to Canastota NY IBHOF.

Put up your Dukes

Growing up with boxing, it was part of who you were. I will be the first to admit that the first time I got hit by a right hand, I was seeking revenge. Not in the ring, you understand, but something more sinister. I knew then that those who lay it on the line and place the gloves on are a breed that I would never be able to compete with “The Sweet science.” Although I would never be able to do it, I loved and appreciated those that could. As George Carlin said; “if you can’t fight, learn a few jokes,” I didn’t succeed at that either.

Some Roads Lead to the IBHOF

Driving almost 300 miles, to reach and experience the IBHOF, why I am still not quite sure. Perhaps it is paying homage to all of those men and women, primarily men-historically, that created an excellent metaphor for life. I appreciate every time I watch a match. I was prompted while watching a fight; Teddy Atlas https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teddy_Atlas was being inducted into the IBHOF.  I looked on “Google maps” and a couple of weeks later were on the road to Canastota New York.

The Champions of the world

 

Here is the home of the international BHOF. But why here?  Having produced two world champions, Carmen “The upstate onion farmer” Basilio,  whose most notable fight was one with Sugar Ray Robinson.  Billy Backus, the 1970 welterweight champion of the world. Canastota was a natural choice as a site for the museum and outdoor stage. There press information indicates that it is located a short distance away From Syracuse, NY, and they are not kidding, about a 30-minute drive.

Looks can be deceiving

As you drive up, the first thing you notice, it  is divided into two sections. One section that I have seen in the past, this is where the likes of greats like Ali, Forman, Fraizer, Holyfield and Leonard accepted there induction I wish I could have been there for that. I have a good imagination. The other building is the “actual” hall of fame. I/ we stood where these great pugilists stood and would have looked out over the intended audience. I do have to admit I had some sport with Mike Tyson, and it was all in fun champ. Please believe me! As you enter the IBHOF, fortunately, it was air-conditioned. It was very hot this day in July. The magnitude of the room strikes you. It is not a large physical environment. The place packs quite a punch. Sorry, I could not resist.

Home of the Champions

The very first thing I noticed was a homage to Ali, not Frazier or Foreman fights but the contests with George Chuvalo . He may not mean a lot to many people. But in my “hood” George is an icon in the most real sense of the word. He fought Ali twice. If anyone reading this has done this, please let me know. George trained at the gym, where I realized boxing was not for me. I went to grade school with one of his nephews. Seeing this was an extraordinary moment for me. Although I never met the man, I did see him in a restaurant one day, but was too much of a wimp to say hello and ask for one of those fisted selfies; you know the ones I mean…i digress

The BHOF encapsulates the entire history of boxing. It chronicles the days before rules or gloves. The men that put it on the line for the prize in “prize Fighting” the original or founder of the sport as we know it.  Fortunately, it also chronicles the days since the “Duke of Queensbury” initiated rules. Here there are photos of those legends to modern days stars. All the greats. Each with their unique place in boxing history.

With so much memorability, amazingly, they were able to house it all in such a moderate space. World championship Belts, Photographs, robes, shoes, mouthpieces Gloves, and heads pieces as you would expect, and yes even jockstraps.  If it is boxing, it has a place here.

And in This Corner

As I mentioned before this area comprises of two regions the IBHOF itself, filled with memorabilia and the other second building. Although the design of the building could have been better. Enclosed within its walls is the original ring used for all of the major fights in Madison Square Gardens. So much history that you can feel the broken jaws, the sweat, the spit, the profanity. Where dreams are made and  dreams are lost. Eighty years of boxing tradition housed in the 12 x12 space. Marciano, Graziano, Joe Louis, Jake Lamotta are to name a few and the list is numerous. Honestly, it did not take much imagination to be sitting in a 1950′ s MSG  as the microphone dropped from the ceiling with the ring announcer saying: “and in this corner..” and then the sound of the bell. Ding ding.

Make a weekend in June amazing

Each second weekend in June, Canastota has hosted numerous past and current champions. A Sunday parade and an induction ceremony are held to honour past and current Hall of Fame inductees. Not unlike any HOF or museum, they have their gift shop.; Here there are items that I doubt you can find anywhere else. Signed gloves, signed corner padding- an excellent addition for the office, and of course the autographed photos and T-shirts. Most unique, all of them boxing. I did buy a few pieces myself.

I have to admit that the IBHOF offered a great deal and we enjoyed our visit. Although it could be modernized. Perhaps a holograph exhibit or something that would really set it apart and bring into the modern era and maybe the future. If you like boxing the way I do, this is a great way to spend a few hours. Is boxing is your passion? You may shed a tear as you engulf yourself into the glorious and infamous history of the “sweet science.” Not surpringly Sylvester Stallone is also in the hall for the influential “Rocky” films.

Has the IBHOF been a destination and would like to add anything, your input is always welcome. If you intend to make the pilgrimage, please follow the link below for any additional information.  Please add your comments.

Thank you

Your Vacation Your Escape.

VTE