CANASTOTA, N.Y. -- Carl Olson's blank stare couldn't mask the pride he felt inside upon being inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame Sunday.

Although the man nicknamed "Bobo" is in the final stages of Alzheimer's disease, he still is able to bring a crowd to its feet just as he did during the 1950s, the height of his championship middleweight career.

"God's time is never too late," Judy Olson, his wife and sparring partner for 52 years and his main caregiver now, said Sunday. "We made him aware. I just thank God he was able to walk up there today. But he's still here. He made it. I know when he put on that (Hall of Fame) ring that he recognized it."

The 72-year-old Olson, the first Hawaiian boxer among the hall's 220 members, compiled a 98-16-2 record, with 48 knockouts, before retiring in 1966. In 1953, he won both the American and world middleweight titles. He fought Sugar Ray Robinson four times but never won. He did, however, record victories over Joey Maxim and Kid Gavilan, both Hall of Famers.

Olson, who was accompanied on stage by sons Carl and Grant, was announced to a standing ovation from an enthusiastic crowd of several hundred. Before he was given his ring, a commendation from the governor of Hawaii was read aloud.

"It's been very overwhelming for him," said his daughter, Dawn, one of 23 family members in attendance. "My father's always been such a humble, gracious champion. It brought tears to his eyes. Last night, when we came back to his room, it was like he snapped out of it. It was like he didn't have Alzheimer's."

Olson was one of four boxers chosen in the modern category. Also honored were bantamweight champion "Joltin Jeff" Chandler from Philadelphia; Ken Buchanan, the first living Scottish boxer to make it into the Hall of Fame; and lightweight champion Jimmy Carter (81-30-8, with 31 knockouts).

Buchanan turned professional in 1965, and within three years had claimed both the Scottish and British lightweight titles. He finished his career in 1983 with a record of 62-8, with 28 knockouts. Dressed on this special day in typical highland style, kilt and all, he was noticeably moved by the honor.

"I have traveled a good few miles to be here today," said Buchanan, 54, who lost a controversial fight in 1972 to Roberto Duran when a low blow after the bell sounded the end of the 13th round prevented him from continuing. "As I stand here, my thoughts drift back across the sea to all my family and friends back home. Scotland is a small nation, and it is my hope that this award will add something to its already glowing reputation abroad."

Afterward, Buchanan, who began boxing at age 8 when his father sneaked him into an Edinburgh boxing club, embraced his dad as both burst into tears on the dais.

"It's like winning the world championship," they said in unison.

Chandler, a slick boxer who turned professional after only two amateur bouts, won the WBA bantamweight title in 1980 and successfully defended it nine times. He finished with a record of 33-2-2, with 18 knockouts.

"This is my proudest moment," said Chandler, who was joined on the podium by his two young sons. "It doesn't get any better than this. This is where I was trying to get. This makes it my proudest moment -- for my children to accept this award with me."

Buchanan, Chandler and Olson were joined as living inductees by Argentine promoter Tito Lectoure, who was enshrined in the non-participant category. Lectoure is regarded as South America's premier boxing promoter and matchmaker.

"I must have done something good in this sport to deserve this honor," said Lectoure, who worked with such ring stars as Gavilan, Carlos Monzon and Emile Griffith. "I've had moments of great happiness and deep sadness, victories and defeats. But today's feelings are unique. They cannot be compared with anything."