Monessen honors hometown boxing champ Michael Moorer

The city honored one of its most famous sons on Saturday, recognizing former world heavyweight boxing champion Michael Moorer at a festival in his honor.

Michael Moorer received keys to the city at a celebration in his honor during Monessen Community Day Saturday.

The former heavyweight champion who grew up in Monessen returned home this past weekend to celebrate his International Boxing Hall of Fame induction.

Mayor Ron Mozer presented two keys to the city to Moorer at the Monessen City Park Amphitheater.

“Today, we honor a true champion whose prowess in the ring has brought glory to our city and inspired generations of athletes around the world,” Mozer said to the crowd in attendance. “Michael Moorer, through his exceptional skill and dedication to his craft, has not only achieved greatness, but also embodied the spirit, resilience and determination that defines our community… “This symbolic gesture signifies a profound admiration to your accomplishments in the world of boxing.”

Moorer, who spent a large chunk of his time Saturday conversing with the event’s attendees and vendors, said it felt good to receive keys to the city.

“I don’t know what it represents, but the gesture is good,” Moorer said.

While he’s used to receiving attention for his accomplishments in the ring, Moorer said it was special when “the hometown crowd comes up.”

“Thank you for supporting me and standing behind me for so many years,” Moorer said to the crowd. “No matter what part of the world I’m in, I’m from Monessen, Pa.”

Moorer, 56, won the light heavyweight title in only his 12th professional fight, and not long after, he moved up to become the first southpaw heavyweight champion. He finished his career with a record of 52-4-1 with 40 knockouts.

In recent years, he has been a strong advocate for increased safety measures in boxing.

Mozer noted that the Monessen City School District beat the International Boxing Hall of Fame “to the punch” by selecting him as an inductee of the inaugural Monessen High School Wall of Fame class last October.

Mozer also mentioned Moorer’s contributions to the Monessen Police Department.

“Michael, may (these keys) serve as a testament to your outstanding achievements and lasting impact you’ve had on our community,” Mozer said. “Your journey is a source of inspiration, and we’re honored to celebrate your legacy today.”

Sarah Graby, Monessen Community Day organizer and founder of the Monessen High School Wall of Fame, was happy to see the event come together.

“To have the mayor give such a great speech, and for Michael to be here and see everybody that wanted to come out and support him and celebrate with him, it’s really special,” Graby said.

00074732