All professional boxers become eligible for election into the International Boxing Hall of Fame three years after their retirement (previously used to be five years before 2019). Inductees are selected by members of the New York-based
Boxing Writers Association of America, based on criteria in five separate categories: •
Modern: Retired boxers whose last bout was no earlier than 1989. Prior to a 2014 rule change, the category reflected boxers whose last bout was after 1943. •
Old Timers: Until 2014, the rule was boxers whose last bout was no earlier than 1893 and no later than 1942. This category has since changed, similar to the
Veterans Committee in baseball's Hall of Fame. It is now split into two categories. •
Early Era: Boxers who fought from the beginning of Marquis of Queensbury Rules (1893) until 1942. •
Late Era: Boxers who fought their last bout from 1943 to 1988 •
Pioneers: Boxers whose last bout was in or prior to 1892. Generally, they are boxers who fought before the Marquis of Queensbury Rules. •
Observers: Journalists, historians, writers and artists. •
Non-Participants: People who made contributions to the sport of boxing apart from their roles as boxers or observers. ==Inductees==