Press Release: The International Boxing Hall of Fame announced today popular former junior welterweight star "Irish" Micky Ward will attend festivities planned for the 16th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Weekend set for June 9-12th. Fighting out of Lowell, MA, Ward retired from the ring in June 2003 following a hard-fought loss to rival Arturo Gatti in the third bout of their epic trilogy. During his 18-year career, the always-exciting Ward posted a 38-13 (27KOs) record that includes memorable victories over Gatti, Shea Neary, Reggie Green and Emanuel Burton. Ward was involved in "Fight of the Year" three years in a row - 2001 versus Burton and 2002 and 2003 versus Gatti.

"Micky Ward typified the heart and soul of the sport of boxing," said Hall of Fame Executive Director Edward Brophy. "We’re looking forward to welcoming him back to Canastota."

The June 9-12th Hall of Fame Induction Weekend will feature over 20 exciting events including a banquet, parade, golf tournament, boxing autograph card show, breakfast, cocktail party, professional boxing show, and the official induction ceremony honoring the Class of 2005. New inductees to be honored are featherweight champion Bobby Chacon, junior welterweight champion Duilio Loi, featherweight champion Barry McGuigan, junior middleweight champion Terry Norris, matchmaker Don Fraser and writer Bert Sugar. Posthumous inductees will also be honored.

Over 50 boxing stars, including Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Ken Norton, Angelo Dundee, Aaron Pryor, Leon Spinks, Alexis Arguello and Canastota's Carmen Basilio and Billy Backus are scheduled to participate in weekend festivities.

For more information on the Hall of Fame’s 16th Annual Induction Weekend please call (315) 697-7095 or visit www.ibhof.com.