ST. THOMAS — Boxing legend and Virgin Islanders native Julian Jackson is among a number of individuals who have been selected for induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. The others are boxing champions Donald Curry and James “Buddy” McGirt, and welterweight champion Tony DeMarco in the old-timer category.
Promoter Don Elbaum, referee/judge Guy Jutras, publicist Lee Samuels and broadcaster Teddy Atlas were also chosen for induction in the nonparticipants and observers category, according to the Associated Press and multiple other U.S. news sources.
Journalist Mario Rivera Martino was selected posthumously in the observer category. Inductees were voted in by members of the Boxing Writers Association and a panel of international boxing historians.
The induction ceremony is June 9, 2019 in Canastota, New York.
Born Sept. 12, 1960 in St. Thomas, Mr. Jackson began boxing as an 11-year-old, according to the legend’s biography. He compiled a 15-2 amateur record that included a win over Livingstone Bramble. Renowned for his powerful punching power in either hand, the 5-foot-11 Jackson turned pro in 1981 and scored 29 consecutive victories, 27 of them by knockout. In 1986, he was knocked out in the second round by Mike McCallum for the WBA super welterweight title.
Mr. Jackson rebounded in 1987 to capture the vacant WBA 154-pound title by stopping In Chul Baek in three rounds. He then reigned until 1990, including knockout wins over Buster Drayton and Terry Norris. He became a two-division champion in 1990 when he captured the vacant WBC middleweight title with a fourth-round knockout over Herol Graham.
The legend registered four title defenses, including first-round knockouts over Dennis Milton and Ismael Negron and a 12-round victory over Thomas Tate before losing on a fifth-round knockout to Gerald McClellan in 1993. He regained WBC title in 1995 with a second-round knockout over Agostino Cardamone. Mr. Jackson lost that title to Quincy Taylor before retiring in 1998 with a professional record of 55-6, with 49 KOs. … In retirement, Mr. Jackson became a minister and also trained his sons, John and Julius.
For biographies on the other inductees, go here.
Tags: hall of fame, julian jackson
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