been their 7 times now mate and when i first started goin in 2004 it was brilliant and fighters very accessible for photos and signings but the last cpl of times i went last being in 2012 it was dire as you couldnt get near the fighters, except the odd ones who went in "grazianos bar" across the road from the hall of fame. its a ballache to get too as you have to fly to newark,then get a flight to syracuse,then from their you gotta get a cab and its expensive,believe me ! plus you wont get a hotel in the town as they are booked months before,so the nearest is syracuse. their nothing in canastota so dont expect night life or loads of bars,only 2 their !!!! its just a little town in upstate new york,if you want more details mate inbox me and i could give you more info. but its a lot of money as they put prices up in places diners etc. its gone down hill as i think its that ed brophys "pension scheme " hes the owner and director of the ibhof and a right nobhead ! good luck mate if youre going but its gonna cost you a lot of dough and its no longer " the mecca of boxing " anymore :?
That may have made another decision for me then, i'm the only massive boxing fan amongst my mates so would be going on my own and would be going for the chance to talk to the boxers etc; may look in cotto v martinez again and see what tickets i can get for that, Froch v Groves tickets are far to expensive for anything decent. either than or i go proper ringside for a decent UK show coming up
your better off mate goin to a big fight in vegas,like i said the ibhof is a defo no no in my opinion ! unless youve got lots of dough to waste,im tellin you the only real one who you will have a chat with in grazianos bar is leon spinks and micky ward,both nice fellas and approachable and will have a beer with you,ones to avoid is marvin hagler and pernell whitaker,pair of obnoxious bellends :?
Take my advice (I am a NYC resident) and go to the Cotto-Martinez event.Stay at a mid town hotel(the best would be the Sheraton Towers at 53rd and 7th Ave.) where many boxing fans stay.If you are going by yourself hang out at Jimmys Corner Bar at 7th Ave and 44th west and you will meet all the boxing fans you will ever want.PR day parade on the Sunday will cap off a great weekend.Good luck.:good
Good call.Have a few pints at the Flying Puck(next door to the Gardens) before the fight begins- and you won't be disapointed .After the fight go back to Jimmys Corner Bar and a lot of the fight fans and trainers will be there. Happy to help.:good
I was in NY last year staying at the Affinia opposite MSG. I made sure I got into Jimmy's bar, good recommendation.
