Jeff Tully
When the World Boxing Hall of Fame began holding its annual banquet
more than two decades ago, inductees didn't get much in the way of an
award.
Honorees had to be satisfied with a hearty handshake and a sincere
thank-you, and were given a small lapel insignia and maybe a plaque
commemorating their accomplishment.
However, three years ago, the organization finally commissioned an
artist to provide award statuettes that would not only capture the
spirit of the sport, but would also provide a fitting reward for the
honorees.
The artist who has helped give the hall of fame award its identity
is Burbank sculptor Steve Harpst.
Harpst was in attendance Saturday to watch his works of art being
handed out at the 24th annual World Boxing Hall of Fame Banquet of
Champions at the Commerce Casino.
The award statue is called "The Prizefighter." The bronze piece
depicts a boxer with his hands up, crouched and leaning forward, with
a menacing scowl, looking like he's about to pounce on an opponent.
"I got together with the organization and we tried to see if we
could make something that they could use as an award," Harpst said.
"So I came in with several different sketches and they chose the one
that is used now because it's such a basic fighter's stance,
something that everyone associated with boxing can relate to."
Unlike the Oscar or the Espy, the award hasn't been given a catchy
nickname -- yet.
"Eventually, we're going to have to come up with a nickname for
it," Harpst said.
Harpst's association with the hall of fame came about through
Maurice "Dub" Harris, a former president and chairman of the board.
Harris was instrumental in helping Harpst's work find its way into
the hands of the honored boxing inductees.
"Dub Harris saw some of my pieces and he asked me what I could do
in terms of getting an award for them that they could hand out at the
banquet," Harpst said.
Harris said the addition of Harpst's statuettes have enhanced the
annual ceremony, and the awards have become coveted pieces.
"Steve does beautiful work, and anything we can do to try and
enhance the banquet and ceremony we try to do it," Harris said. "And
having his awards as part of that makes it so much better.
"These fighters are so proud to get these statues. Sometimes I
think they are happier to get one of the awards than to be inducted
into the hall of fame."
With its first induction ceremony held in 1980, the hall of fame
has honored most of the finest fighters the sport has produced.
