(Canastota, NY – April 2013
) The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced welterweight contender and 1950s television star Gasper Ortega will return to Canastota for festivities planned for the 24th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend set for June 6 to 9.
“Gasper Ortega was one of the most popular fighters on television during the 1950s,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “Fans will surely enjoy the opportunity to meet him in Canastota for the Hall of Fame Weekend.”
Born on Oct. 31, 1935 in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, Ortega won the 1952 Mexican Golden Gloves title before turning pro in 1953. As a pro, he boxed 176 times in a 12-year career. With graceful movements and dazzling speed, Ortega scored wins over Isaac Logart, Stan Harrington, Rudell Stitch and champions Tony DeMarco, Kid Gavilan and Benny Paret. The highly respected Ortega made over 25 main event appearances on television. He retired from the ring in 1965 with a 131-39-6 (69 KOs) record.
Ortega will be one of the featured stars at the “Night of Welterweight Warriors” on Friday, June 7 at the Rusty Rail Party House in Canastota.
For more events, visit ibhof.com or call 697-7095.