Canastota, New York’s Big Boxing Weekend Is Here

Canastota, New York’s Big Boxing Weekend – The Canastota, New York International Boxing Hall of Fame holds their annual induction ceremonies this coming weekend, June 9-12. The fighters to be inducted include Hector “Macho” Camacho, Lupe Pintor and Hilario Zapata, giving this year’s class a distinct Latin flavor.

Pintor from Mexico and Zapata from Panama both held world titles in two different weight classes during their heydays back in the late 1970’s and 1980’s.

Zapata dominated the 108 and 112 pound weight divisions, fighting in more than 20 world title fights all over the world. He rose quickly, as he was just 10-1 overall when he travelled to Tokyo and won a 15 round unanimous decision against Shigeo Nakajima to win the WBC World light flyweight title. In Panama, they said “Duran if you want balls, Zapata if you want finesse” as Zapata was known as a technician and a defensive specialist some liken to Pernell Whitaker. In 1985, he captured the WBA World flyweight title, making five title defenses before losing the belt to Colombia’s Fidel Bassa in Baranquilla, Colombia under less than ideal circumstances. Zapata has overcome a drug addiction that saw him spend eighteen years on the streets in Panama before he was rehabilitated. He now spends his time training boxers in Panama.

Pintor captured the world bantamweight title in June of 1979 when he defeated fellow countryman and fellow Hall of Famer Carlos Zarate via a controversial split decision. That win saw him start a title reign that would last through eight title defenses and three and a half years before giving the belt up to move up a weight class. Pintor came up in the Mexican school under the great “Cuyo” Hernandez and Pintor’s style has been likened to that of stablemate Ruben Olivares.

Hector “Macho” Camacho is being inducted posthumously. The brash Puerto Rican southpaw won world championships in three different weight classes. He retired with a record of 79-6-3.

This year’s induction class is rounded out by old-timer Petey Sarron, trainer Whitey Esneault, judge Harold Lederman, commissioner Marc Ratner, journalist Jerry Izenberg and broadcaster “Colonel” Bob Sheridan.

The weekend includes a parade down Canastota’s Main Street, A golf outing and cocktail hour among other things. In 2016, the Hall will be flying their flags at half-mast to honor the passing of Muhammad Ali.

For more information, check out the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s website.

Canastota, New York’s Big Boxing Weekend