Tyson, Stallone head boxing HOF class

CANASTOTA, N.Y. - "Yo, Adrian! I did it!" That was one of the more famous lines from the "Rocky" movie series that not only made Sylvester Stallone what he is today, but also captured boxing's heart for decades.

Tuesday, Stallone was rewarded. The actor, who penned the script about an underdog boxer from Philadelphia named Rocky Balboa, was named - along with Iron Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez, among others - to the 12-member 2011 class for induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame and Museum.

"Rocky" was released in 1976, and was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, winning best picture, best director and best film editing.

"It has been my privilege to have been blessed with the ability to write about the incredible courage and commitment of the many thousands of real-life Rockys whom we have watched perform honorably in the ring," Stallone said in a statement.

Stallone also wrote five other movies based on the Rocky Balboa character and in 2006, was awarded the Boxing Writers Association of America award for "Lifetime Cinematic Achievement in Boxing."

"The two things that brought boxing back to the forefront with the public was the great success of the 1976 Olympic team and when Sylvester Stallone gave us our heavyweight champion - Rocky Balboa," Hall of Famer Emanuel Steward said. "I still get goose bumps when I hear the Rocky theme."

While Stallone delivered goose bumps, Tyson delivered plain, old bumps (and bruises) during his career. Tyson, the self-proclaimed "baddest man on the planet" won his first 19 professional bouts by knockout, 12 in the first round.

"I am honored," Tyson said. "The sport of boxing has given me so much, and it is truly a blessing to be acknowledged alongside other historical boxing legends because they paved the way for me, as I hope I have inspired others in this great sport."

Three-division champion Julio Cesar Chavez of Mexico and Russian-born Kostya Tszyu, a junior welterweight champion, also were selected, along with Mexican trainer Ignacio "Nacho" Beristain, and referee Joe Cortez.