BERNSTEIN ON BOXING
THE STARS ALIGN By Al Bernstein
Former champ Mary Jo Sanders (second from right) was part of the Class of 2025 at the IBHOF.
her fans in the Motor City with performances in her hometown.
I have been at a number of induction weekends, and often there are certain inductees who just radiate joy at the occasion. Mary Jo’s induction was especially welcomed by boxing folks, and her effusive personality and gracious approach to being honored made it special for her and for everyone else in Canastota. Interestingly, she was inducted along with Anne Sophie Mathis, who, like Sanders, had a two- fight rivalry with Holm. I shared a dinner table at the Hall of Fame with Mary Jo and Anne, and we discussed the irony of their being inducted the same month that Holm was returning
T hree events combined women’s boxing. They were: • The induction of legendary
The first two events are linked by the moments those two remarkable boxers shared with each other in the ring, and their history parallels the Taylor- Serrano rivalry in many ways. The synergy between all this is striking. The induction of Sanders this year honored a 25-1-1 career record carved out between 2003-08. She started late as a pro at 29 years of age but packed a lot into her career, including world titles in four weight divisions. She added to the rich tradition of great Detroit boxers and often thrilled
this summer to revive the past, celebrate the present and portend the future of
PRECISION IN MOTION Every move, crafted to win.
champion Mary Jo Sanders into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. • The return to boxing after a 12-year absence by Holly Holm, also a member of the IBHOF. • The landmark all-female card headlined by the third fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano.
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