Mickey Bey, Jr. Proclamation

Mayor Frank G. Jackson presented a proclamation to Mickey Bey, Jr. in recognition of his return to Cleveland for the first time since becoming the reigning Lightweight Boxing Champion of the World. Mr. Bey, a native of Cleveland and graduate of John F. Kennedy High School, has remained a staunch supporter of his hometown and has represented Cleveland in a positive light throughout his travels.

Mr. Bey held an incredible amateur record of 170 wins and only 8 losses. He has won ten national tournament championships and two National Golden Gloves Championships. In 2004, he won an opportunity to represent his country and the City of Cleveland on the U.S. Olympic Team in Athens, Greece. However, he had to withdraw from the competition due to pneumonia. 

On September 14, 2014, Mr. Bey was on the undercard of Floyd Mayweather vs. Marcos Maidana, with trainer Floyd Mayweather, Sr. in his corner. Despite having to overcome hardships, it was in this fight that he would defeat the reigning World Champion Miguel Vasquez, who had never lost to a lightweight, and become boxing’s reigning Lightweight Champion of the World. 

Mr. Bey has proven that through hard work and dedication, extraordinary goals can be achieved. He is an inspiration and a mentor to other young athletes. He has been successful at a world class level and gives credit to the great city of Cleveland and its citizens for their continued support in helping to prepare him for all that he has accomplished. His many achievements deserve recognition.