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International Boxing Hall of Fame 1 Hall of Fame Drive Canastota, NY 13032 P: 315.697.7095 F: 315.697.5356
HALL OF FAME REFEREE KENNY BAYLESS TO RETURN
TO CANASTOTA FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND
Annual Hall of Fame Weekend celebration set for June 11-14
CANASTOTA, NY - APRIL 14, 2026 - The International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum is pleased to announce that Hall of Fame referee Kenny Bayless will return to Canastota for the 2026 Hall of Fame Weekend set for June 11-14.
“Kenny Bayless is one of the most respected referees in boxing history,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “We are so excited that he will return to Canastota as a Hall of Famer to participate in Hall of Fame Weekend festivities.”
In a 32-year career, the Las Vegas-based Bayless was one of boxing’s preeminent referees. He officiated over 200 world title bouts including Pacquiao vs. Marquez II, Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, Canelo v. Golovkin I, Barrera vs. Morales III and Fury vs. Wilder II among others. Known for his pre-fight catchphrase “What I Say You, Must Obey,” Bayless retired in 2023. In 2025, Bayless was elected into the Hall of Fame.
Class of 2026 inductees set to be in Canastota include boxers Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin, Nigel Benn, Antonio Tarver, Naoko Fujioka and Jackie Nava; trainer / cutman Russ Anber, physician Dr. Flip Homansky and journalist Kevin Iole.
Posthumous inductees to be honored include referee Frank Cappuccino, trainer / cut man Jimmy Glenn, broadcaster Alex Wallau and welterweight and middleweight star Jimmy Clabby.
In addition to Bayless, an impressive array of boxing stars from around the world are set to be in Canastota including Marco Antonio Barrera, Mikey Garcia, Michael Spinks, Christy Martin, Erik Morales, Timothy Bradley Jr., Winky Wright, Jim Lampley, Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik, Vinny Paz, “Jesse” James Leija, Jorge Linares, Buddy McGirt, Ray Mercer, Ruben Olivares and Eric “Butterbean” Esch.
The grand marshal of the Parade of Champions will be Sugar Ray Leonard and the 1976 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team, who will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Olympic Games. In addition to Leonard, gold medal winners Michael Spinks and Leo Randolph; silver medal winner Charles Mooney and team member Chuck Walker will be attending.
The 2026 Hall of Fame Weekend is scheduled for June 11-14. Many events will take place in Canastota and nearby Turning Stone Resort Casino throughout the four-day celebration including ringside talks, fist casting, fight night, 5K race / fun run, boxing autograph card show, banquet, parade and induction ceremony.
Click HERE for the 2026 Hall of Fame Weekend ticket order form.
For more information on the 2026 Hall of Fame Weekend, please call (315) 697-7095.
Connect with the International Boxing Hall of Fame through social media:
Facebook: @InternationalBoxingHallofFame
Instagram: @InternationalBoxingHallofFame
Twitter: @BoxingHall
About the International Boxing Hall of Fame
The International Boxing Hall of Fame opened to the public in 1989 and is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the great sport of boxing. Located in Canastota, New York, it serves as a tribute to the world's finest boxers and contributors to the sport, allowing boxing enthusiasts to appreciate and celebrate the rich history and tradition of boxing. The International Boxing Hall of Fame is located at Exit 34 of the New York State Thruway. Hours of operation are Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The multi-year partnership between Turning Stone Resort Casino and the International Boxing Hall of Fame spotlights the entire region, garnering national attention and boosting tourism in Central New York. The partnership includes a series of
nationally-televised boxing events at Turning Stone, culminating every year in June
with an elaborate and bigger-than-ever International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend
with several exciting events in Madison County and Oneida County throughout the
four-day celebration.
