Monessen fighter Michael Moorer to be inducted into International Boxing Hall of Fame

Anytime you’re part of a group of fighters that includes Muhammad Ali, you’re doing something right.

Michael Moorer is one of only four boxers, including Ali, to win the heavyweight world title three times, and he was the first southpaw to become heavyweight champ.

Born in Brooklyn, Moorer, 55, moved to Monessen at a young age and spent most of his childhood there. He was introduced to boxing by his grandfather, Henry Lee Smith, who had a training gym in nearby Charleroi.

Moorer earned the World Boxing Organization’s inaugural light heavyweight title in his 12th fight, and in 1992 became the WBO’s heavyweight champion with a TKO victory over Bert Cooper. He retired in 2008 with a career record of 52-4-1, 40 wins coming by knockout.

He spent time in 2009 coaching fighters alongside legendary trainer Freddie Roach. Today Moorer lives in Miami, still doing some training, enjoying retirement and managing his website.

In recent weeks, the website began offering several limited-edition items after Moorer found out he will be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame this summer. The class of 2024 includes other well-known names such as Ricky Hatton, Ivan Calderon, Fred Sternburg and Diego Corrales.

Moorer’s childhood hometown actually beat the IBHOF to the punch, so to speak. He returned to Monessen in October 2023 to be inducted into Monessen High School’s inaugural Wall of Fame class.

Moorer spoke with TribLive about his career, growing up in Monessen and joining the IBHOF, which will honor its 2024 class June 6-9, in Canastota, N.Y.

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What are some of your earliest memories of being introduced to boxing by your grandfather?

Early memories are just being around him. My grandfather was like a father figure to me. He would always leave the house at a certain time when we were doing things in the garden and around the house. He taught me how to do things with my hands. I would always wonder where my grandfather was going off to, then I found out he was going to the gym every day, and so I started getting work done faster so I could be ready to go with him.

What was it like connecting with a solid punch for the first time in a non-sparring match?

When I connected with a solid punch for the first time, I knew it was a solid punch because it felt like hitting cotton. A perfect punch is a smooth piece of work.

What goes through a fighter’s mind in the ring, or do you kind of place yourself on auto-pilot and rely on your training and fighting instincts?

It’s all auto-pilot. You don’t think when you are in the ring. It’s all instincts. You might think about what you’re going to do for a second, but you lose that thought quickly.

Who is the most intimidating person you fought? What made them so intimidating?

I was never intimidated by anyone. If you are intimidated by people, why would you be a boxer?

What does it mean to you to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame?

It means to me I am on the wall of excellence. Now I have solidified my name among superstars. I’m very grateful. Maybe I can train another future hall-of-famer one day.

Do you think athletes should serve as role models for children?

Athletes should never be role models. You should strive to be better than the athletes you see on TV. No one should look at athletes as role models.