Lennox Lewis described his career as a 'magical dance' on his enshrinement in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Lewis was the marquee name in Canastota's Class of 2009 which also included Mexican warrior Orlando Canizales, British boxing writer Hugh McIlvanney and veteran American broadcaster Larry Merchant.
The 1988 Olympic gold medallist sought not to talk about the legendary matches against the likes of Razor Ruddock, Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson in his career, but the positive elements boxing brought to his life.
"Our sport is usually looked at as a brutal, savage sport," Lennox said.
"I see it as a sweet science, a magical dance. For me, I just wanted to live up to that, and keep the dignity and the humanistic aspect and the positiveness of it, so that people will remember that's what I did for boxing.
"One wouldn't think a 14-year-old boy who did shadow boxing in front of the mirror imitating the Muhammad Ali shuffle would actually be on this stage. I am really humble...this is a great honor."
Canizales, who had two epic battles with Sunderland's Billy Hardy during his six-year reign as IBF bantamweight champion, also spoke about the life lessons he gained from boxing.
"Boxing has taught me a lot in life; that dedication, discipline and determination will pay off in the long run and not to be easily swayed by obstacles and bumps in the road," Canizales said.