Cotto, Mancini headline 2026 Class for Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame

Former world champions and local favorites among 20 inductees for Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame's 10th annual class

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:07pm

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The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 induction class, which will be headlined by former four-division world champion Miguel Cotto and popular middleweight Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini. The class also includes other former world champions, local boxing figures, and posthumous inductees who made significant contributions to the sport in Atlantic City.

Why it matters

The Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame honors the rich history and legacy of boxing in the city, which was a major hub for the sport in the 1980s and 1990s. The induction of high-profile fighters like Cotto and Mancini, as well as local favorites, helps preserve the city's boxing heritage and recognize the individuals who made it a premier destination for the sport.

The details

The 2026 class includes eight boxers: Miguel Cotto, Orlando Canizales, Jacqui Frazier-Lyde, Zab Judah, Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini, Charles Williams, Harold Knight, and Mike Tinley. Cotto, a four-division world champion, went undefeated in three fights in Atlantic City, winning them all by KO/TKO. Mancini, known for his exciting fight against Alexis Arguello at Bally's Atlantic City in 1981, is also being inducted. The class also includes five inductees in the Observers/Special Contributors category, four in the Posthumous class, and three in the Pioneers category.

  • The ACBHOF's 10th annual awards and induction weekend will be held September 25-27 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
  • Mancini's fight against Alexis Arguello took place at Bally's Atlantic City in 1981.

The players

Miguel Cotto

A former four-division world champion with a 41-6 record and 33 KOs. He went undefeated in three fights in Atlantic City, winning them all by KO/TKO.

Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini

A former world champion middleweight with a 29-5 record and 23 KOs, best known for his exciting fight against Alexis Arguello at Bally's Atlantic City in 1981.

Craig Johnson

An Atlantic City native who served as manager for his younger brother, the late Leavander Johnson, during his rise to the IBF lightweight championship. Craig is being inducted in the Observers/Special Contributors category.

Chuck Betson

A former local media personality who passed away in 2020 at age 68. He was a frequent ringside presence as a columnist for The Press of Atlantic City and during his tenure as a radio host.

John Fitzpatrick

A referee being inducted in the Pioneers category.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The induction of high-profile fighters like Cotto and Mancini, as well as local favorites, helps preserve Atlantic City's rich boxing heritage and recognize the individuals who made the city a premier destination for the sport.