It was an opportunity for the region to honour one of its greatest sporting heroes.

Rocky was inducted to Latrobe City's Sporting Hall of Fame two years ago but was unable to accept a plaque recognising his achievements.

But the 55 year-old kept his eye on the prize and his recent visit meant he could finally pick up the honour from his old home town.

Rocky was born in Italy and immigrated with his family to Morwell at the age of five.

He started his amateur boxing career at the age of 13 under the guidance of Stan Mounsey, in an old shed next to the Morwell RSL.

At age 16, Rocky won the Victorian Amateur Championships title and finished runner up at the national championships in 1969.

The following year Rocky turned professional and moved to Melbourne to work with trainer Ambrose Palmer, then Oscar Minari.

The partnership with Minari enabled Rocky to win the Australian Welterweight title and World Boxing Council (WBC) Light Middleweight title three times.

During his career Rocky fought 74 matches, for just seven losses and two draws.

Four years ago, he was inducted into the Australian National Boxing Hall of Fame.

In recognising Rocky's achievements at a Sporting Hall of Fame ceremony, Latrobe City councillor, Darrell White paid tribute to the boxer's luminous career.

``On behalf of the councillors and residents of Latrobe City, I present Mr Mattioli with this plaque to officially welcome him into our own Sporting Hall of Fame,'' Cr White said.

``He is a worthy inductee with a long and prodigious career in his chosen sport. His many title winning bouts made him an easy choice for the honour roll and it is with great pleasure that we can congratulate him in person for his achievements.''

Two more members of the sporting community and two sporting legends will be inducted to the Sporting Hall of Fame this year.

The inductees will be announced in October at a presentation function to be hosted on the weekend of the opening stage of the Herald Sun Tour in Traralgon.