Australian National Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Gala

As the sun was going down in Melbourne, and the wind was howling through the streets of a city steeped in boxing history, the limousines were lining up and the stars of boxing were suited and booted for a night of celebration memories and reflection to the eras of past fighters who will be honored at tonight’s Gala.

Australia has always been a nation of battlers, and through the decades, this small country has produced a list of ‘ heart and soul ‘ fighters who have fought and won in their opponents backyards and realised their dream of becoming a champion for themselves and their country. Les Darcy, Jimmy Carruthers, Johnny Famechon, Lionel Rose, Tony Mundine, Ambrose Palmer, Jeff Harding, Lester Ellis, Robbie Peden, Michael Katsidis, Paul Briggs, Joe Bugner, Vic Darchinyan, George Kambosos, Jeff Fenech, Barry Michael, Danny Green, Jai Opetaia and Liam Paro, just to name a few.

Tonight, it was about former world champion, Danny Green who was honored for his battles against Eric Lucas, Marcus Beyer, Stipe Drews, Anthony Mundine, and Roy Jones Jr.

Glen Kelly was also honored for his fights with John Mugabe, Sam Soliman, and Jones Jr.

Paul Moore stood tall and proud on the stage as a former ‘ tent fighter’ and Australian welterweight champion, facing Rocky Mattiola twice in epic battles.

Journalist, and veteran ring announcer, Howard Leigh was inducted for his forty-five years of service to the sport and Jai Opetaia received the award for ‘fighter of the year’.

Liam Paro was recognized for his historic win in Puerto Rico, and becoming the latest world champion from Australia.

Former world champions, Barry Michael and Jeff Fenech worked the room, with the goal of raising funds from the sold-out crowd, to give back to the sport they lived and love.

There was laughter, tears, pride, passion, and love in a room full of rough heads, flat noses, and big hearts beating as one, for the love of these champions in life and in the world of boxing.

Gary Todd has been involved in all aspects in the sport of boxing for over 30 years and is an international best-selling author with his books. Check out his latest, ‘ Annie’s Boy ‘

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