(Washington, DC) The Department of Parks and Recreation is proud to announce the induction of Marshall Cunningham, DPR Boxing Coordinator, into the 2007 Boxing Hall of Fame. Cunningham is one of eleven new members selected for this prestigious honor. This year’s Annual Awards Banquet will be held on Friday, November 16 at 7 pm at the Upper Marlboro Moose Lodge in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

In 1984, Marshall Cunningham began his career with DPR after working several summers while attending the University of the District of Columbia. He has been an active member of the Amateur Boxing Association since 1986. Also that year, he officiated his first USA/ABF National Tournament in Lake Placid, New York. For eight years he served as a Junior Olympic Chairperson for Potomac Valley and as the Region Two Junior Olympic Regional Coordinator. During his extensive tenure, Cunningham has professionally worked over 150 bouts with four World Title Bouts in Virginia, Tennessee and Washington, DC.

Cunningham accepted his position as the DPR Boxing Coordinator in 1992. The following year, six boxers from Benning Park Recreation Center and the Bald Eagle Recreation Center’s Headbangers boxing team represented the region in the US Championship. Currently, the Headbangers hold 77 National Titles with the first title earned at the 1995 Silver Gloves National Championship. This title was won by Marshall Cunningham, Jr. and Anthony and Lamont Peterson, who are ranked in the top of all major sanctioning bodies. In addition, for more than 10 years Cunningham has served as the tournament director and driving force behind the DC Mayor’s Invitational Boxing Tournament.

“We are proud of Cunningham’s contribution to the sport of amateur boxing and for his dedication to the youth. His talent and commitment to the sport of boxing is truly remarkable,” said Acting DPR Director Clark E. Ray.