Vegas Event is a Knockout

The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (NVBHOF) hosted a special Meet & Greet Fan Experience at Resorts World Las Vegas.

The August 26 gathering with the champs was just one of several highlights celebrating their “Trilogy” weekend honoring the 2020, 2021 and 2022 inductees. Since the pandemic forced the rescheduling of all public events, the nonprofit organization had a historic two-day celebration with this Meet & Greet, a VIP Party, a WBC Green Belt Challenge and the August 27 Induction Ceremony.

Founder and former President Rich Marotta, CEO and current President Michelle Corrales Lewis, COO and Vice President Anthony Randolph, their Board of Directors, sponsors, vendors and volunteers all gave 100% to ensure a knockout weekend.

Friday’s festivities was a big success with lines of excited fans ready and waiting to meet their favorite fighters and childhood heroes. There was plenty of fun merchandise available, informative booths and displays, collectibles to check out, Reiki healing massages, health items, sports memorabilia, artwork, T-shirts, clothing, shoes, hats, boxing gloves, etc. It was a boxing fan’s perfect day!

There was so much to see at this show which was held in the Lotus Ballroom. The beautiful new Resorts World is a sight to behold and I recommend a visit if you haven’t yet seen this amazing property.

I enjoyed catching up with boxing pals and watching the prizefighters receive their respect from all the fans in attendance; many of the fans were locals but I also met a lot of out-of-town visitors who had been looking forward to the weekend for a long time now. Everyone was so happy to socialize once again especially because it had been three long years (due to the worldwide COVID-19 restrictions) since the NVBHOF was able to host their induction weekend.

There was a boxing ring in the middle of the venue, interactive exhibits, and nonstop autographs and photos with the inductees, amateur and pro boxers and champions that stopped by the fundraising bash including Evander Holyfield, Fernando Vargas, Fernando Vargas Jr., Israel Vazquez, James Toney, Julian Jackson, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Lamon Brewster, Layla McCarter, Carlos Padilla, Eva Jones-Young, Colonel Bob Sheridan, and so many more.

Here are some snapshots from the day including pics of the brand new NVBHOF inductees Jose Luis Castillo, Michael “Second To” Nunn, Mia St. John, Bones Adams, Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson, plus Shawn Porter, Iran Barkley, Floyd Mayweather Sr., Jessie Vargas, Henry Tillman, “Chop Chop” Corley, Ava Knight, James “Smitty” Smith, Lisa King, Frankie Duarte, Greg Puente, Nancy Rodriguez, Andy Nance, Lee Espinoza, Julius Jackson, Jorge Capetillo, Dylan Capetillo, and WBC Ambassador Joséjas, among others.

The boxers told me they had a blast reconnecting with their fellow fighters while also meeting lots of new people who joined the Meet & Greet too.

It was a thrilling day with the boxing community and a great kickoff to the historic “Trilogy” weekend!

NVBHOF’s Rich Marotta:
2022 NVBHOF Preview:

Photos by Michele Chong