The 2021 Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame event

The Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame resumed its tradition a few weeks ago with a banquet in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at Bridgeman’s Ballroom in the Iron Workers Hall.

The oldest Hall of Fame in the United States, with over 400 members, added another 23 to the list as the 2020 and 2021 inductees included boxers (modern-day and old-timers) and non-boxer contributors that dedicated their lives to the sport.

The pandemic delayed the ceremony in 2020. This event was larger with a crowd of roughly 400 people.

Hall of Fame Chairman John DiSanto and staff organized a great event attended by multiple former champions - as well as previous and newly inducted members.

"I’m happy that we had another successful HOF event," said DiSanto.

"Our goal is to continue to honor the standouts of Pennsylvania boxing, but it is also important that we stage an event that makes the inductees and their families feel appreciated and happy. I think we did that."

DiSanto, the founder of PhillyBoxingHistory.com and the Briscoe Awards, is co-authoring a book titled "Boxing in Atlantic City," with Matthew Ward to be published November 1st.

Contributing staff for the PA HOF include:

Joe Mathis

Frank Kubach

Barry Howell

Norman Torpey

Angie Hines

Tammy Eissey

The PA Hall of Fame is comprised of roughly 50 voters throughout the state ranging from writers and other media members, promoters, matchmakers, trainers, etc.

Bernard Hopkins was seated with PA Commissioner and former referee Rudy Battle, while Meldrick Taylor came to support his brother Myron on his induction.

Former champ Charles Brewer was also in attendance alongside his son Charles Jr, an aspiring light heavyweight with a 1-0 professional record.

WBO female champion Mikaela Mayer was in town to support her trainer, Al Mitchell, on his induction.

The Hall of Fame inductee list includes:

Rudy Battle

Bill Bossio

Jim Deoria, Sr.

Bozy Ennis

Derek Ennis

Troy Fletcher

Johnny Forte

Marvin Garris

Otis Graham

Marshall Kauffman

Kelvin Kelly

Julian Letterlough

Jack McClelland

Alfred Mitchell

Willie Moore

Carol Polis

Fernando Rodriguez

Curtis Sheppard

Paul Spadafora

Maxie Strub

Myron Taylor

Billy Wallace

Bee Bee Wright

Pennsylvania is one of America’s best when it comes to boxing. It takes an effort on everyone’s part when it comes to building and maintaining the sport.

Longtime Philly promoter and matchmaker J. Russell Peltz sat in attendance with his wife Linda and other friends. Peltz, an IBHOF, PA HOF, and Atlantic City Hall of Famer, is one of the many staples in the rich history of Pennsylvania boxing.

His newly released book, "Thirty Dollars and a Cut Eye," tells stories dating back 50 years to when the Temple University graduate got his start in boxing.

Another Hall of Famer (International, PA, AC), Promoter Don Elbaum, of Erie, PA, made the trip to catch up with his boxing family.

I have not seen Don in a few years, but he was the same witty guy I remembered. The man is ageless. His quote of the day: "I plan to die a healthy man."

His roots go back to the days with Muhammad Ali and before. He’s been in the ring under the pro lights as a fighter and worked deals on the business end longer than a lot of people live.

After dinner, Master of Ceremonies Nino Del Buono articulated his way down the list and through the accomplishments of each inductee.

Some of the inductees spoke to the crowd - while some had family in attendance on their behalf.

DiSanto spoke on behalf of three inductees that were unattended by family or friends.

Former Keystone state boxers Billy Wallace, Maxie Strub, and Curtis Sheppard were given their rightful recognition.

"The Pittsburgh Kid" Paul Spadafora, the former IBF lightweight champion, attended with family and friends from boxing Lamar Williams and Joe Wyatt (former boxers from Erie and Pittsburgh).

Paul’s speech was brief as he added, "Do the right thing," when referring to boxing and life.

The well-dressed ref Rudy Battle spoke on his time in boxing, sharing moments from years ago up until the present day.

You took something different from each inductee.

Some were brief and to the point - while others were more attached to the podium.

Jimmy Deoria, Jr., a PA HOF member, talked nicely about his late father, Jimmy Sr.

One of Bee Bee Wright’s children spoke for quite a few minutes. His son came in from Clairton, PA, Wright’s hometown, along with several other siblings.

He talked about boxing, but what we all took from that speech was the kind of man Mr. Bee Bee was: a devoted husband and father that made sure everyone knew how much he cared for his family.

The father-son duo of Bozy and Derek Ennis was brief and thanked everyone while Bozy’s son Jaron "Boots" Ennis looked on as he sat quietly at our table. The rising welterweight contender looks to remain undefeated when he takes on Thomas Dulorme late this month on Showtime.

Inductee Marvin Garris aka "Machine Gun" fought the likes of Roger Mayweather and Mickey Ward. A former PA light heavyweight champ, he spent some time trading leather under the roof of the Blue Horizon.

Garris said to a family member after, "How did I sound?" I can attest that he sounded good and left a positive impression of where he is in his post-boxing life.

Promoter Marshall Kauffman, who also trained his son Travis (in attendance), former IBF welterweight champ Kermit Cintron, and cruiserweight contender Julian Letterlough, thanked his family and team that made his promotion an east coast powerhouse.

He talked about how boxing is one big family and how great it is to see everyone at these events.

Former Pittsburgh great Jack McClelland entered the hall via his great, great, great-grandson Vince Ciaramella. Vince wrote a book about him lovingly called, "The Pride of Pittsburg."

He talked about the family roots and acknowledged his young son Enzo who stood next to him.

"Maybe we have a future champion here," Ciaramella said.

The late Mr. KO Julian Letterlough earned his nickname with only one of his 21 wins going the distance.

The former IBF cruiserweight contender was a thrilling fighter to watch up until his retirement.

His tragic death came at the age of 35.

His son Julian Jr spoke briefly and was not shy to mention that his dad was a "street dude" but turned his life around through boxing. His memories were fond. Talking with him afterward, you can see that he found peace and appreciated the Hall of Fame recognition.

Trainer Al Mitchell worked with Charlie "Choo Choo" Brown, Vernon Forrest, Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Andre Ward, and many others to varying degrees.

He did some jail time for the street life he once lived but turned to boxing after and never looked back.

A couple of notable awards were given to Norman Torpey (Man of the Year) and Gerry Cullen (Legacy Award) by the VBA (Veteran Boxers Association-Ring 1) President.

It felt as if we were all waiting for the first bell upon arrival. Similar to events I attended at press level, I had the chance to catch up with Hall of Fame writer Nigel Collins, Ken Hissner, and Jeff Jowett to name a few, before things kicked off.

Boxing activity has been active and consistent here in Pennsylvania lately.

With multiple events happening in Philly, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, and Erie since the pandemic hit in March of 2020, better days will mean more action in the keystone state.

All of this will eventually lead to more local well-deserving stars basking on the Hall of Fame platform in the City of Brotherly Love.