Florida Boxers Honored

By Damon “Latinbox” Gonzalez

Tampa, Florida: It was a night of extinguished boxing honors as President of the Board of Directors for the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame, Walter “Butch” Flansburg kicked off the Inaugural dinner at the Howard Johnson’s here in downtown Tampa.

Flansburg “ The establishment of the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame has been a dream of mine for many years, I believe that everybody’s presence here tonight is not only to enjoy an evening of fun and camaraderie, but also an endorsement to make the Florida boxing hall of fame a great success”.

The first inductee of the evening widely recognized as one of Boxing’s finest Legendary Trainers Angelo Dundee could not keep his finger off the cake, Dundee “ Boxing is alive and well here in Florida, I am happy to be apart of such a wonderful evening I am honored to be here among such great talent here and great friends”.

Steve Canton “I feel good going in with this great group of guys, I look forward in seeing everyone in induction weekend in November Thank you”.

Jimmy Williams “ I thank you, I am pleased to receive this honor, this is the height of my carrier training kids for over 50 years, I am at the top of the mountain.

Pinklon Thomas “I look it how time has changed in my life I want to thank Hank Caplin for being my mentor”.

Wilfredo Vazquez, Jr. representing his father “I am very proud to be here representing my father on behalf of my family I want to thank you all”.

Johnny Boz “I remember being 7 yrs old watching great fighters all my life, I want to be apart of this Hall of Fame any way possible, Thank you”.

Dundee shown with fight factory trainer Orlando Fernandez.

A very honored and emotional Dr. Ferdie Pacheco was on hand and clearly had a lot to be thankful for in boxing, Pacheco entertained the crowed for close to 26 minutes of thanks and gratitude.

Former Florida Referee Brian Garry with Former lightweight champion of the world Antonio Tarver.

The Class of 2009: Luis Manuel Rodriguez, Ralph Dupas, Willie Pastano, Florentino Fernandez, Pinklon Thomas, Wilfredo Vazquez, Sr., Angelo Dundee, Steve Canton, Jimmy Williams, Chris Dundee, Felis “Tuto” Zabala Sr, Hank Kaplan, Irv Abramson, Mark Beiro, Marty Cohen, Johnny Bos, Bob Goodman, Rick Folstad, Dr. Allen Fields, Dr. Fredie Pacheco, Brian Garry, Max Parker, Phil Alessi, Pete Fernandez and Terry Trekas.