Recently, former world super lightweight and welterweight champion Ricky Hatton (45-3, 32 KOs) of the UK, ex-WBA/IBF heavyweight titleholder Michael Muelas (52-4-1, 40 KOs), and former mini flyweight and junior flyweight kingpin Ivan Calderón (35-3-1, 6 KOs) of Puerto Rico were announced as inductees for the International Boxing Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024.
The 45-year-old Hatton, who captured world titles at both 140 and 147 pounds, is known for his victories over former WBC/WBA/IBF super lightweight champion Kostya Tszyu, although he later faced defeats against boxing legends Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao.
Commenting on his induction, Hatton said, “I’ve had some wars in my life, like against Tszyu, Mayweather, and Pacquiao, but the toughest fight was my divorce. My biggest reward has always been the support from the fans, which is my greatest achievement. I love spending weekends with them.”
Muelas, 56, was the first left-handed world heavyweight champion in history. He claimed the WBA/IBF titles in April 1994 when he defeated Evander Holyfield on points, only to lose his first title defense to the then 45-year-old George Foreman in the 10th round. In June 1996, he regained the IBF title by defeating German Schulz, but in a rematch with Holyfield in November 1997, he was knocked down five times in eight rounds.
“As a boxer, I’ve endured a lot of pain post-retirement,” Muelas shared. “Like many other fighters, I have numerous injuries and no stable insurance coverage.”
The 49-year-old Calderón previously reigned as a world champion at both 105 and 108 pounds, successfully defending his WBO 105-pound title 11 times. However, due to his lower weight class, he received less attention. After moving up to 108 pounds, Calderón encountered the heavy-hitting Mexican Segura (33-4-1, 29 KOs), who stopped him twice.
This year’s inductees also include the late Diego Corrales (40-5, 33 KOs), a two-weight world champion at 130 and 135 pounds, famous for his epic battle with Luis Castillo. Despite being knocked down twice in the 10th round, Corrales made a remarkable comeback to win. Tragically, Corrales passed away in July 2007 at age 29 after a motorcycle accident involving alcohol consumption.