International Boxing Hall of Fame announces 2027 candidates

The International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) has released its voting ballots for the 2027 induction class. An international panel of voters, including members of the United States Boxing Writers Association and historians from countries such as Japan, England, Canada, Argentina, Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, Mexico, and the United States, will determine the new inductees.

Several Latin American boxing figures have been nominated in the Modern category. Notable male nominees include Venezuelan Jorge Linares, known as ‘El Niño de Oro,’ who held world titles in the featherweight, super featherweight, and lightweight divisions; Argentine Sergio ‘Maravilla’ Martínez; and Mexican Leo Santa Cruz. Other male nominees include Kelly Pavlik, Iran Barkley, Chad Dawson, Marlon Starling, and Junior Jones.

The selection process covers multiple categories: Modern Men, Last Era Veterans, Non-Participants, Observers, and Modern Women. Female nominees include Ibeth La Roca Zamora from Mexico and Yésica ‘Tuti’ Bopp from Argentina. IBHOF Executive Director Edward Brophy noted that the annual ballot distribution is a special moment for the global boxing community.