FLOYD MAYWEATHER and Wladimir Klitschko will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame next year.
Andre Ward and Laila Ali are among the fighters who have made the cut for the class of 2021 too.
Floyd Mayweather will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame next yearCredit: Splash News
Wladimir Klitschko is also included in the class of 2021Credit: AP:Associated Press
Those chosen are picked by the Boxing Writers Association and specialised historians of the sport.
Ann Wolfe, Marian Trimiar and Dr Margaret Goodman have also been selected for next year’s induction, which takes place on June 13.
There are six post-humous elections too, comprising of Davey Moore, Jackie Tonawanda, Freddie Brown, Jackie McCoy, George Kimball and Jay Larkin.
Mayweather, who retired in 2017 with an incredible 50-0 record, said he was delighted to be put forward.
The 43-year-old, who will fight YouTuber Logan Paul in an exhibition next year, beamed: “It is a great honour for me to be inducted as a first-ballot nominee.
“Throughout my career, I gave everything I could to the sport of boxing.
“And now, to be recognised by one of the most prestigious honours in the sport for that hard work and dedication is very humbling.”
Meanwhile, former heavyweight Klitschko, 44, was also thrilled at being recognised by the panel.
The 64-5 Ukrainian said: “The sport of boxing was my first career in life, it has made me an all around better person.
“I’ve learned more about myself and the world, and for that I’m humbled.”
Finally, Ward, 36, said he was going to be celebrating his nod.
The former unbeaten fighter (32-0) tweeted: “I don’t celebrate my wins very well.
“But we are going to celebrate this one! Y’all please excuse me.”
Logan Paul admits Floyd Mayweather fight makes ‘no sense’
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
