Eufaula native Robert Newton will be inducted into the Oklahoma Boxing Hall of Fame on July 20.

Newton graduated from Eufaula High School in 1966 where he earned a football scholarship from Connors State College. Newton then attended Northeastern State University where he earned a degree in Education.

Newton was known for his toughness and power in the boxing ring where he accumulated a record of 55 wins and seven losses (unofficial).

“This is quite a surprise and an honor. I don’t know if I deserve this but it’s nice to be recognized. When I was boxing the only thing I had was a speed bag and a heavy bag. I didn’t have a trainer or facilities,” Newton said.

Newton introduced boxing to Northeastern State University and Roger Hayes in Tahlequah when he was a student.

Newton dominated in the ring winning Hutchinson Golden Gloves, Kansas City Golden Gloves, Little Rock Golden Gloves, Fort Smith Golden Gloves, Miami Golden Gloves and National Golden Gloves.

At one point in his career Newton would drive down to McAlester and spar against convicts at the McAlester Maximum Security prison.

“I was teaching and coaching at Eufaula during that time. I turned pro after Mike Caury urged me to do it. My first fight was in Las Vegas at the Silver Slipper and I won. Boxing is not near what it was in the 1950’s, 1960’s or 1970’s. Before that there were a lot of tough-man contests. It was called, “So you think you’re tough,” and it was held at the Tulsa Convention Center. I was a four-time winner,” Newton said.

Newton went on to be a very successful high school football coach with stops at Eufaula, Texas, Catoosa and Owasso.

Newton has been married to Lynn Newton, who is his biggest fan for 45 years.

“I was just blessed with a wonderful wife and family and friends,” Newton said.