James McGirt struggles with emotions at Boxing HOF induction

CANASTOTA, N.Y. (AP) — Two-division champion James McGirt was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, and he struggled with his emotions while thanking his family for the sacrifices they made during his time in the ring.

McGirt told the crowd Sunday he warned them the night before that he was going to cry and he delivered, fighting back tears as he thanked his wife and children. He said they told him earlier that they were proud of him, and McGirt could barely speak as he thanked them.

“All the sacrifices, not being home, missing birthdays, holidays, graduations. It’s a lot of work,” McGirt said. “I want my kids to know, I’m sorry. I love you.”

Also inducted were: two-division champions Donald Curry and Julian Jackson; Tony DeMarco in the old-timer category; promoter Don Elbaum; referee/judge Guy Jutras; publicist Lee Samuels; and broadcaster Teddy Atlas. Puerto Rican journalist Mario Rivera Martino was selected posthumously.

Inductees were selected in December by members of the Boxing Writers Association and a panel of international boxing historians.