Our Ernie is inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame

Ernie Artango, left, was inducted into the QLD Hall of Fame this month joining his brother Dale.

Congratulations Ernie!

It is one of the fiercest and most aggressive sports but humble boxing legend Ernie Artango credits his opponents for his inclusion in the Queensland Boxing Hall of Fame.

The four-time Australian middleweight and two-time OPBF light middle-weight champion joined brother Dale Artango in the prestigious group earlier this month as the pair became the first brothers to be inducted in the Hall of Fame.

Artango became one of Australia's greatest boxers in the 90s with some of his most defining wins including his Oceania win over 1990 Olympic Games silver medalist Grahame "Spike" Cheney, his maiden Australian middleweight win over rival Craig Tritter and his defence against Darren Obah, who went on to contest the World Middleweight title.

The modest Shailer Park resident said it was the feats of his opponents in the ring which helped him define himself as a boxer.

"It was a part of my well being and early childhood life" Artango said. "Growing up I learned everything from my coaches, managers and boxers in the ring because without them I wouldn't be where I am and I wouldn't have been given this award". "I remember all the people who have helped me along the way and the boxers helped fuel the fire." "My brother (Dale) was one of my biggest inspirations."

Dale Artango said a rare ability to shift styles paved the way for his Australian supremacy. "He was a very smart fighter and a brilliant switch hitter."

By Tom Boswell | http://quest.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx