Press Release: The International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York announced today former light heavyweight champion John Conteh from England will attend festivities planned for the Hall of Fame Induction Weekend set for June 8-11, 2006.  Conteh turned pro in 1971 and captured the EBU, Commonwealth and British light heavyweight titles in 1973. In 1974, Conteh scored a 15-round split decision over Jorge Ahumada to earn the vacant WBC light heavyweight title. Successful defenses over Lonnie Bennett, Yaqui Lopez, Len Hutchins followed before losing the title to Mate Parlov in 1978. Conteh retired in 1980 with a record of 34-4-1.  “The Hall of Fame is looking forward to welcoming John Conteh from his home in England to Canastota,” said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. The June 8-11th Hall of Fame Induction Weekend will feature over 20 exciting events including the official induction ceremony honoring the Class of 2006. Living inductees to be honored at the Official Induction Ceremony on Sunday, June 11th are junior flyweight champions Michael Carbajal and Humberto “Chiquita” Gonzalez, historian / publisher Hank Kaplan and promoter / manager Jarvis Astaire.  Over 50 boxing stars, including Ken Norton, Bob Foster, Emile Griffith, Angelo Dundee, Aaron Pryor, Leon Spinks, Alexis Arguello, and Canastota's Carmen Basilio are scheduled to participate in weekend festivities. For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 17th Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095 or visit www.ibhof.com.