The International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) in Canastota, New York, has officially announced the Class of 2026 inductees, celebrating a diverse group of legends in the sport. Among those honored are renowned fighters such as Gennadiy “GGG” Golovkin, Antonio Tarver, and Nigel Benn in the Men’s Modern category, as well as Naoko Fujioka and Jackie Nava in the Women’s Modern category. Additionally, the Class of 2026 will recognize trainer and cut man Russ Anber and prominent journalist Kevin Iole for their contributions to boxing.
Golovkin, a Kazakhstani boxer, had a professional career from 2006 to 2022, earning the title of two-time unified champion. Throughout his career, he held the World Boxing Association, World Boxing Council, and International Boxing Federation titles at various times between 2014 and 2023. In 2022, he made a notable challenge for the undisputed super middleweight championship. Golovkin is also a two-time International Boxing Organization middleweight champion, holding the title from 2011 to 2023.
Antonio Tarver, who competed between 1997 and 2015, is another celebrated inductee. He held multiple light heavyweight world championships, including the WBA Unified, WBC, IBF, and Ring magazine titles. Tarver represented the United States at the 1996 Olympics, where he earned a bronze medal in the light heavyweight division. He remains the only boxer to achieve gold at the Pan American Games, World Championships, and U.S. National Championships in the same year. Tarver also gained fame for his role as Mason “The Line” Dixon in the 2006 film “Rocky Balboa.”
Benn, a British boxer who competed from 1987 to 1996, is recognized as a two-weight world champion. He held the WBO middleweight title in 1990 and dominated the WBC super-middleweight division from 1992 to 1996. With an impressive 83.3% knockout ratio, Benn retired with a legacy that includes victories over several world champions, such as Doug DeWitt and Chris Eubank. His memorable ring entrances often featured the chimes of Big Ben.
In the Women’s Modern category, Naoko Fujioka stands out as Japan’s first five-division world champion. She held the WBA female flyweight title from 2017 to 2022 and previously secured the WBC female minimumweight, WBO female junior-flyweight, WBA female super-flyweight, and WBO female bantamweight titles. Jackie Nava is also recognized for her achievements in two weight classes, holding the WBA female bantamweight title in 2005, as well as the WBC female super bantamweight title twice between 2005 and 2015.
The Hall of Fame will also posthumously honor several individuals in various categories. These include referee Frank Cappuccino, trainer and cut man Jimmy Glenn, and physician Dr. Edwin “Flip” Homansky in the Non-Participant category. Broadcaster Alex Wallau will be recognized in the Observer category, while Jimmy Clabby will be inducted in the Old Timer category.
Edward Brophy, Executive Director of the IBHOF, expressed excitement about the Class of 2026, stating, “We’re thrilled about the Class of 2026 and are very much looking forward to honoring the newest class of inductees to earn boxing’s highest honor.” The inductees were selected by the Boxing Writers Association and a panel of international boxing historians, underscoring the significance of their contributions to the sport.
The Hall of Fame Induction Weekend is scheduled for June 11-14, 2026, providing fans with an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of these boxing legends. For further details regarding the events and the Hall of Fame, interested individuals can contact the IBHOF at (315) 697-7095 or visit their official website at www.ibhof.com.
