The annual event welcomed many big names, including Shawn Porter, Marco Antonio Barrera and Timothy Bradley, to watch on as the trio of former world champions were honored in Canastota.

Golovkin was a former unified middleweight champion who made a joint-record 20 defenses. "GGG" was also involved in a thrilling trilogy against Canelo Alvarez, with the second of those three bouts earning The Ring's "Fight of the Year" accolade in 2018.

Upon his induction, Golovkin, 44, said: "Boxing is my life ... I'm truly honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. The recognition means more to me than I can express. I'm very proud to be standing with legends. I never stopped believing in myself. This honor wouldn't be possible without my team and I'd like to express my gratitude to my coaches, Abel Sanchez, Johnathon Banks ... and thank you to Tom Loeffler. My family ... my wife, my kids and my brother, [because of you] I'm standing with great people."

Tarver was involved in a famous trilogy of his own — against Roy Jones Jr. — and was a multiple-time light heavyweight champion. His stunning knockout win over Jones in May 2004 won The Ring's "Knockout of the Year."

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart," said 57-year-old Tarver. "Standing here today is truly one of my greatest honors. I fought with my hands but I rose because of the people who lifted me up. My mom ... she was my rock, my greatest foundation, my greatest supporter. Every victory, every comeback, I carried her voice with me. This one is for you and I hope I made you proud."

Benn, a British boxing icon, won titles at middleweight and super middleweight throughout his illustrious nine-year career, but was most famous for his bitter rivalry with Chris Eubank. The first of their two fights, which Benn won, gripped the nation and drew a peak audience of 18 million viewers, transcending the sport to new heights in the United Kingdom.

"This means so much to me," the 62-year-old said. "Boxing saved me, it turned my life around. Thank you all for welcoming me here and giving me this opportunity."

Japan's first ever five-division champion, Naoko Fujioka, was elected in the Women's Modern Category. Inducted alongside her was Mexican Jackie Nava, who won titles at bantamweight and junior featherweight.