(Canastota, NY – Feb. 2014) The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced legendary Mexican boxers Ruben Olivares and Pipino Cuevas will be among returning Hall of Famers attending festivities planned for the landmark 25th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend June 5 to 8.
“Ruben Olivares and Pipino Cuevas were two of the most dynamic punchers to step into the ring,” said Hall of Fame director Edward Brophy. “We are very much looking forward to welcoming both of these exciting boxers back to Canastota from their homes in Mexico.”
Olivares turned pro in 1965 and knocked out his first 23 opponents. “El Puas” twice reigned as world bantamweight and featherweight champion. He holds wins over Lionel Rose (KO 5), Chucho Castillo (W 15), Art Hafey (W 12) and Bobby Chacon (TKO 9, TKO 2). A superb knockout artist, of his 88 wins, 77 came by way of knockout. Extremely popular in his native Mexico, Olivares was also one of the greatest draws ever at the Fabulous Forum in Inglewood, CA.
Olivares was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991.
Born in Santo Tomis, Mexico, Cuevas turned pro in 1971. He captured the WBA welterweight championship in 1976 and reigned until 1980. The hard punching Cuevas successfully defended the crown 11 times, scoring 10 wins by knockout. Before retiring in 1989 he compiled a pro record of 35-15 (31 KOs) and registered wins over Angel Espada (TKO 2), Clyde Gray (KO 2), Pete Ranzany (TKO 2) and Randy Shields (W 15) among others.
In 2002 Cuevas was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
For more information, visit www.ibhof.com.