International Boxing Hall of Fame news
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Canastota, NY – April 16, 2013) The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today Academy Award nominated actress and Emmy nominated choreographer Rosie Perez has been named Grand Marshal of the 24th Annual Boxing Hall of Fame Parade of Champions scheduled for Sunday, June 9 at 1 p.m.
“Whether as an actor, director or choreographer, Rosie Perez is tremendously talented in so many facets of the entertainment industry,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. “She is a passionate boxing fan and we are absolutely thrilled to welcome her to Canastota to lead the Parade of Champions.”
Born in New York City, Perez began her acting career in Spike Lee’s 1989 motion picture Do The Right Thing. Many film and television roles followed including guest spots on such television series as 21 Jump Street, Frasier, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Cleveland Show and Nurse Jackie.
She received an Emmy nomination for her work as choreographer on the hit sketch comedy series In Living Color.
On the big screen, Perez starred in the 1992 motion picture White Men Can’t Jump with Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes and earned Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for her supporting role in the 1993 motion picture Fearless.
“It’s unimaginable that I have been asked to be the Grand Marshall in the 2013 Boxing Hall of Fame. Honored? Beyond. Excited? An understatement. Boxing is a big part of my life, always has been. I love watching, talking, and of course, tweeting about it endlessly. It has inspired the challenge within myself to make everything in my life better. Witnessing the preparation, commitment, and belief it takes to be a great fighter, to step inside a boxing ring with millions watching is inspirational. And the few who become boxing legends—those who go the extra mile; those who have that strong character, determination and the soul of a champion, are beyond exceptional. To stand amongst these legends is what true boxing fans dream of. Come June 2013, I will humbly have that opportunity and I am very grateful,” said Perez.
The Parade of Champions, set for Sunday, June 9 at 1 p.m., will pass through the streets of Canastota and lead to the grounds of the Hall of Fame Museum prior to the start of the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the new class of inductees.
Inductees include two-division champion Arturo “Thunder” Gatti (posthumous), five-time world champion Virgil “Quicksilver” Hill and two-time light flyweight champion Myung-Woo Yuh in the Modern category; “Let’s Get It On” referee Mills Lane, ring announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. and journalist Colin Hart. Posthumous inductees in the Old-Timer, Pioneer, Non-Participant and Observer categories will also be honored. Over 40 boxing stars will be highlighted in the Parade of Champions.
“With the lineup of marching bands, boxing celebrities, community organizations and now Rosie Perez, this should be our biggest parade ever and an unforgettable day for all,” said parade chairperson Charlene Barres.
For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 24th Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095 or visit online at www.ibhof.com,
Photo by Rob Northway