Recap and Photos from the Historic Event
The National Boxing Hall of Fame (NBHOF) held their “Salute to the World of Boxing” on Sunday, April 23 at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello, Calif. President Bill Young and Vice President Linda Young presided over the ceremonies that ushered in the knockout Class of 2023.
This year’s inductees included Jackie Atkins, Iran Barkley, Kenny Bayless, Kermit Bayless, Jeff Bumpus, Hector “Macho” Camacho Sr. (posthumous), Yori Boy Campas, Graciela Casillas, Roberto Duran, Art Frias, Jimmy Lennon Sr. (posthumous) and Jimmy Lennon Jr., Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, Juan Manuel Marquez, Ray Mercer, Jimmy Montoya, Michael Nunn, Vinny Paz, Bridgett “Baby Doll” Riley, Nancy Rodriguez, Gabriel Ruelas, Rafael Ruelas, Antonio Tarver, Larry Young and David Tua (2020 inductee) plus special awards presented to Carlos Avilas, Steve DeBro, Andy Dominguez, Eric Eckenberger, Jimmy Lennon Sr., Pepe Sulaiman and Rex Walker.
It was truly remarkable that all of the living inductees were there in person plus a room packed with former Olympians, champs, contenders, cornermen, trainers, fight officials, dignitaries from Panama and Mexico, authors, historians, actors, boxing personalities and more including Michael Nunn, Michael Spinks, Carlos Palomino, Alex Ramos, Mike Weaver, Alfonso Zamora, Israel Vazquez, Frankie Duarte, Albert Davila, Henry Tillman, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Dee Collier, Gene Aguilera, Burney Spencer, the Weaver Triplets (Lloyd, Floyd and Troy), Greg Puente, Jack Reiss, Alan Santana, Robert Ortiz Sr., Russ Mora, Yaqui Lopez, Steve Harpst, Danny Zamora, Ernie Brown, Young Dick Tiger, Paul Banke, Rocky Pepeli, Vince Rock Hudson, Frank Stallone, Mando Muniz, Sergio “Surge” Jimenez, Merqui Sosa, Irichelle Duran, Elvis Grant Phillips, Monique Rendon, Leobardo Ibarra Bracamontes, Beto Reyes, Alex Garcia, Leon Isaac Kennedy, Doug Krikorian, Steve Springer, Sumya Anani, Emeka Nwokolo, Chris Smith, Leo Mancini, Ray Mancini Jr., Tina Quarry, Willie Tubbs, Butch Gottlieb, Mary Ann Owen, Mike Serrano, Sonny Shapiro, Kevin Lamp, Chico Sherwood, Martha Najera, Jimmy Gambina, Patrick Ragan, Joe Robledo, Carol Steindler, and so many more.
The sold-out affair started with a social gathering on the outdoor patio before guests moved into the Crystal Ballroom for the luncheon and awards ceremony. The day began with a bang with two absolutely riveting performances. The classy champ “Sweet Magic” Eva Jones-Young delivered a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem and the famed Tijuana tenor Marco Antonio Labastida sang a KO version of the Himno Nacional Mexicano (Mexican National Anthem).
Then the program got underway. There were vintage film clips and moving speeches from the awardees. Noted boxing historian/author Gene Aguilera also introduced all the former boxers and champions that were seated in the venue.
It was a very unique day with visitors from all over the globe convening at the Southern California country club. There were brotherly bonds with Gabriel Ruelas and Rafael Ruelas both being inducted as well as the Bayless Twins (Kenny and Kermit) also sharing the VIP dais as 2023 inductees.
The Class of 2023 were all victorious as they accepted the applause and accolades from the capacity crowd of over 650 guests.
It was great to witness the camaraderie amongst the inductees, their families, friends and fans. The prizefighters had a chance to embrace former rivals, break bread with their fellow boxers, introduce new generations to the fight game and reconnect with some people they hadn’t seen in decades.
The emotions of the honorees were heartfelt, the audience reaction all positive energy, and the appreciation in the room was at the highest level. There was mutual respect between all the inductees and admiration from the hundreds of spectators.
And there were countless highlights I observed throughout the day.
I got to chat with ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. who had just announced the Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia fight a mere few hours before joining Sunday morning’s ceremonies. I saw former world champions Israel Vazquez and Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini embrace and take photos together, I caught a glimpse of Alex “The Bronx Bomber” Ramos shadowboxing on the red carpet, and David Tua watching his own fight highlights with humble pride and emotion showing on the tough Samoan’s face. There was Bridgett Riley posing for snapshots with the Weaver Triplets, Vinny Paz cracking jokes while at the microphone, Nancy Rodriguez lovingly sharing the spotlight with her father and her four children, and so much more.
And the women in boxing were represented with a strong showing with four females inducted: Jackie Atkins, Graciela Casillas, Bridgett Riley and Nancy Rodriguez (whom I had the honor of introducing). These amazing ladies and role models each gave inspirational speeches as they spoke about breaking the glass ceiling in boxing, opening doors for others, not taking “NO” for an answer and continuing to fight for equality in boxing.
For the boxing fans, the 2023 NBHOF event really was the ultimate event!
Imagine taking a selfie with Juan Manuel Marquez, having your hand raised by the Bayless twins for the perfect photo op, getting the champs to sign your replica belts and bumping fists with “Hands of Stone” himself, Roberto “Manos de Piedra” Duran.
And fans of the “Rocky” movie franchise were thrilled to meet Antonio Tarver who played Mason “The Line” Dixon in the “Rocky Balboa” film. They were able to talk to the Florida fighter who was one of the illustrious Class of 2023 inductees.
It was a field day for boxing aficionados who were excited to see so many champions right in front of them. Fans held out their commemorative programs to have their favorite fighter autograph it, brought out their ticket stubs from the glory days to get signed, and some even had fight-worn trunks to get a special signature on the satin.
These are just a sample of the interactions I witnessed between the fans and the superstars before, during after the boxing bash.
And during the inductions, the spectators were treated to a surprise performance by heavyweight David Tua. Right before his acceptance speech, the Pride of New Zealand began a spirited Haka dance! As he stomped toward the stage, each tribal chant and gesture grew stronger as he neared the podium. It was a once-in-a-lifetime sight to behold and a very special moment as everyone gathered around “Tuaman” to capture it all on film.
The list of highlights such as these are endless.
There were so many stories and recollections shared. Memories were made; history was made on April 23.
“We cherish these memories,” Linda Young told me a few days after the festivities. She and her husband Bill and their NBHOF committee work tirelessly to make their yearly award show the best it can be. And history was made with all of the living inductees in person to accept their honors.
“It was awesome to have a full lineup, a 100% turnout of inductees–not one missing,” she commented. “We are truly blessed.”
The sweet science has been a part of the Young’s family for decades. There are five generations of boxing in her husband Bill’s history.
“Boxing is our extended family,” says Linda, “and we love it dearly!”
And the National Boxing Hall of Fame and its Board of Directors (Jack Reiss, Benjamin Rendon, Nancy Rodriguez, Alan Santana, Shelley Williams and Drew Young) are already thinking ahead to next year’s gala which is tentatively scheduled for April 28, 2024!
Thank you to Bill and Linda Young and the National Boxing Hall of Fame. And congratulations again to all of this year’s honorees!
Photos by Michele Chong