ANNUAL NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS
SCORES A "KNOCKOUT"

Hill, Witherspoon, Wepner, Chuvalo, Basilio, Torres, Ortiz and Mesi gather for Hall of Fame fund-raiser

CANASTOTA, NY – NOVEMBER 20, 2006 - On November 17th, the International Boxing Hall of Fame hosted a "Night of Champions" featuring WBA cruiserweight champion Virgil “Quicksilver” Hill, two-time heavyweight champion “Terrible” Tim Witherspoon, heavyweight contender Chuck Wepner, Canadian heavyweight champion George Chuvalo, heavyweight contender "Baby" Joe Mesi and Hall of Famers Jose Torres, Carlos Ortiz and Canastota's Carmen Basilio at the New York State Fairgrounds Empire Room in Syracuse. The fun-filled night was a "knockout" for all who attended.

"The Hall of Fame was thrilled to again host a 'Night of Champions,'" said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. "It was a memorable night for everyone."

A capacity crowd of fans mingled with the celebrity guests who graciously obliged photograph and autograph requests. The evening also included a buffet, silent and live auctions and fight highlights.

The 2006 Central New York Boxing Appreciation Award was presented to Syracuse's Peter Cappuccilli, Jr. for his contribution to the sport of boxing in Central New York.

Sincere thanks to event sponsors HBO Sports, SHOWTIME, WBA, WBC, WBO, IBF, First Comp, Madison County Tourism, Turning Stone Resort & Casino, McCadam Cheese, Basilio-Buda Sausage, Miller Lite, Everlast, Aramatic Refreshment Services, Twin Trees Too, Visual Technologies and The Empire Room.

Also, thank you to the program book sponsors, all Hall of Fame committee members who helped coordinate the event and committee chairperson Don Hamilton. A special thank you goes to the staff of The Empire Room for hosting the "Night of Champions."

All proceeds from the event benefited the Boxing Hall of Fame.

Witherspoon, Wepner, Torres, Ortiz, Hill, & Chuvalo

CNY Boxing Award winner Peter Cappuccilli, Jr. with Chuck Wepner