TRILOGY: National Boxing Hall of Fame Awards

Recap of the 2022 Celebration

The National Boxing Hall of Fame (NBHOF) held a unique “Trilogy” event on April 24.

Due to the worldwide pandemic, the NBHOF founders Bill and Linda Young had to reschedule the previous years’ of inductions so their recent awards ceremony featured the Class of 2020, 2021 and 2022. It was held at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello, Calif.

And as they say, the third time’s the charm.

The stage was set, the room was filled to capacity and the microphone was on and ready to go!

The Youngs and their NBHOF crew prepared for a full day of festivities including memorable speeches, film clips with the fighters’ highlights and lots of moving tributes as the luncheon progressed.

The inductees and special honorees included Jorge Arce, Paul Banke, Wilfred Benitez, Pipino Cuevas, Albert Davila, Frankie Duarte, Sugar Ray Leonard, Joey Giambra Sr., Marvin Johnson, LeeRoy Murphy, Mando Muniz, David Tua, Danny Valdez, Laila Ali, Ernie Brown, Steve Farhood, Frank Garza, Dr. Blair Kranson, Mike North, Rex Walker, Jill Diamond, Don King, Louis Rodriguez, Marvin Hagler, Henry Hascup, Charlie Norkus Sr., Charlie Norkus Jr., Virgil HIll, Mando Ramos, Tony Curtis, Ricardo Montalban, Eva D. Jones-Young, Pinklon Thomas, Flo Anthony, Doug Krikorian, Angel Manfredy, Ray McCline, and Richard Torrez Jr.

It was an epic celebration with almost 40 awardees and over 600 guests in attendance. The visitors came from near and far and those who couldn’t attend in person were brought into the room via satellite.

Spotted in the crowd were many former champs, prizefighters, Olympians, trainers, authors, historians, ring announcers, officials, cornermen, and other notables in the boxing community like Carlos Palomino, Sugar Ray Seales, Michael Nunn, Terry Norris, Michael Spinks, Mike Weaver, Troy Weaver, Floyd Weaver, Lloyd Weaver, Francisco Arce, Nancy Rodriguez, Benjamin Rendon, Elvis Grant Phillips, Steve Harpst, Richard Torrez Sr., Yaqui Lopez, Rodolfo Gonzalez, Gene Aguilera, Robert Ortiz, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Yokasta Valle, Bobby O’Connell, Amy Hayes, Art Frias, Greg Puente, Jose Manzur, Elizabeth Reyes, Chris Smtih, Manny Nava, Rudy Tellez, Shelley Williams, Alan Santana, Jimmy Gambina Jr., Anthony Huizar, Vince Rock Hudson, Ken Green, Larry Covin, Mathew Porcellino, Craig Houk, and many others including NBA legend Jerry West.

Several organizations also lent a fist of support by attending the show including the World Boxing Council (WBC), Cleto Reyes, IGMOB, Ring 8, New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame, Indiana Boxing Hall of Fame, World Sports Alumni and more.

There was boxing memorabilia for the fans to peruse, a vintage robe exhibit by Frank Aragon, and good vibes throughout the Crystal Ballroom.

Check out some of my snapshots from the fiesta. The Sunday gala was one for the ages; it was definitely a knockout day. And everyone’s already looking forward to the NBHOF’s Class of 2023 inductions.

Congrats to Bill and Linda on their NBHOF “Trilogy” and congratulations to all the new inductees and awardees!

Inductee Spotlight:
Awards Preview:

Photos by Michele Chong