Art Hafey was born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, in 1951. Hafey’s father started Art in boxing when he was only 12 years old. He left school after grade seven to work in a gas station in order to pay for his training and went on to become the number one contender for the featherweight championship of the world.

In 1972, after compiling a 36-1-2 amateur record, he moved to San Diego to begin his pro career. He opened eyes when he knocked out former world bantamweight champion Ruben Olivares in Mexico City. He defeated Olivares again in the rematch and had a split decision in a third.

Even though Hafey never achieved the world title, Muhamed Ali’s trainer Angelo Dundee called Hafey “the best little man he had ever seen.

Hafey joins a long list of Nova Scotia boxers who have reached international success in boxing. He was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 1980.