Went to the Boxing Hall Of Fame in Canastota, New York last weekend. It was the induction of Evander Holyfield and several others.

We stayed at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino.

Was able to shake hands with Evander.

A long time ago, another Club Member who will remain anonymous (curse you Doug Smith!!) showed me his awesome collection of celebrity autographed baseballs. I began collecting baseballs signed by boxers from then on. I like them because they are unusual and much cheaper to display than boxing gloves or posters.

I was able to shake hands and get baseballs signed by: Andrew Golota, Deontay Wilder (current WBC Heavyweight champ), James Toney, Michael Carbajal, Michael Spinks, Mickey Ward, Pernell Whitaker, Gerry Cooney and Riddick Bowe.

Here are a couple of interesting stories (if anyone is still reading):

ANDREW GOLOTA: I was walking around the "V.I.P. Cocktail Party" with baseballs in hand when Andrew Golota walked by me. I handed a baseball to my wife (she gets the autograph, I get the picture) and followed him downstairs. The venue where the party was held was very warm - no A/C and a lot of people in a small area. Andrew went downstairs to cool off and visit with his family. (Many of the boxers brought their wives, children, etc. with them.) My wife handed him a baseball and asked him to sign it. He said, "I don't understand. I am not a ball player, I am a boxer." She said we knew who he was and asked him to sign. He did. His family was watching and thought this was so funny that they were all taking pictures of him signing with their cell phones and laughing. I guess I have to only signed Golota baseball!

RIDDICK BOWE: I had read a press release from the Hall Of Fame that Riddick Bowe would be attending the ceremony, so I brought a chip in hopes I might meet him and he would sign it.

He was at the cocktail party. My wife went up to him and asked him to sign the chip. He said, "Sure, but why would you want me to sign this?" I explained it was his picture on it. He stared at it for a little while and the showed it to his wife. He had never seen one before!! Here is a picture of his wife taking a picture of the chip:

Of course I had to give it to him. He said, "How much do I owe you?" A responded, "How about a signed baseball?"