Ken Norton to Attend Induction Weekend

CANASTOTA, NY -- The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today former heavyweight champion Ken Norton will attend the Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend scheduled for June 8-11th.

"Ken Norton is always a very popular heavyweight champion wherever he goes," said Hall of Fame Director Edward Brophy. "His many fans and friends will enjoy seeing him at the Hall of Fame."

A key player in the heavyweight division during the 1970s, Norton turned professional in 1967. Norton engaged in a classic three-fight series with fellow Hall of Famer Muhammad Ali. In 1978, Norton held the WBC heavyweight title. He lost the crown to Larry Holmes in one of the most exciting heavyweight title bouts in history. Norton retired in 1981 with a 42-7-1 (33KOs) record and wins over Ali, Jimmy Young, Jerry Quarry, and Duane Bobick among others. In 1992, Norton was elected into the Boxing Hall of Fame.

Norton will join an impressive list of over 30 boxing legends from throughout the United States and abroad, including Ruben Olivares, Willie Pep, Gene Fullmer, and Jose Torres, in Canastota for the festivities honoring the new class of inductees. Events planned for the four-day weekend include a include a banquet, parade, golf tournament, boxing autograph card show, cocktail party, breakfast of champions and professional boxing show.

Inductees to be honored include Ken Buchanan from Scotland, Jeff Chandler from Philadelphia, "Bobo" Olson from Hawaii, and promoter Tito Lectoure from Argentina. All four are confirmed to be in Canastota for their induction into the Hall of Fame.

For more information on the Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend, or to order event tickets, please call the Hall of Fame at (315) 697-7095.