Promoter Frank Warren has been elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame for 2008. Much of the British-slanted discussion had concerned whether Naseem Hamed would make the grade as he is now eligible having not boxed for five years. Hamed was not elected alongside his former promoter.
There's no doubt that in promotional terms Warren deserves it, by the way. On a personal level I usually find Warren engaging, helpful and enthusiastic - when I or one of my lads hasn't upset him. However, Sports Network continues to ban Britishboxing.net from attending their shows as we do not seem to toe the line they would like us to. Ho hum.
"What a real shock," Warren said. "I am very humbled and at the same time honoured. In any sport or industry that you're involved in, it's always nice to get some recognition. To be up with all the great promoters in the Hall is a very humbling experience. I'm absolutely thrilled."
He added: "Some of the greatest fighters and promoters of all time are in the Hall of Fame, and to think that I will be joining them is incredible."
Another Briton, Len Harvey, was also among the 2008 inductees. Cornwall-born Harvey, who died in 1976, was British and Commonwealth middleweight champion, British light-heavyweight champion and British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion.
Other notable entrants this year include the legendary former world heavyweight champion Larry Holmes, light-welter champion Eddie Perkins, Danish promoter Mogens Palle and Japanese journalist Joe Koizumi.