Mexican Legends Rubin Olivares and Pipino Cuevas Return to the IBHOF Weekend – Breaking Boxing News
The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today 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 5-8th.
“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.
Events planned for the weekend include a banquet, a Night of Puerto Rican Pride, parade, golf tournament, boxing autograph card show, cocktail party and the Official Induction Ceremony honoring the Class of 2014. Inductees include two division champion “The Pride of Wales” Joe Calzaghe, six division world champion “The Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya, three division champion Felix “Tito” Trinidad, promoter Barry Hearn, referee Richard Steele, journalist Graham Houston and photographer Neil Leifer. Posthumous inductees in the Old-Timer, Pioneer and Non-Participant categories will also be honored.
An impressive list of over 40 boxing greats from the United States and abroad are scheduled to participate in weekend.
For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 25th Annual Induction Weekend, please call the Hall of Fame at (315) 697-7095, visit online at www.ibhof.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/InternationalBoxingHallofFame and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BoxingHall.