2017 Weekend Scores a Knockout
It was a star-studded weekend at this year’s 5th Annual Induction Gala with the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (NVBHOF).
For two solid days, the boxing superstars all came together in the Mecca of Boxing–Las Vegas. The annual awards gathering was once again held at the storied Caesars on the glittering Strip. Caesars Palace is no stranger to world championship events and the legendary hotel and casino was the perfect backdrop for all the exciting happenings hosted by the NVBHOF.
NVBHOF Founder and previous President Rich Marotta and current President and CEO Michelle Corrales-Lewis welcomed the Class of 2017 inductees, VIP guests, and boxing fans from around the world as they took part in a knockout weekend (August 11 and August 12 ) that showcased inductee get-togethers, a Meet & Greet for ticket holders, a Special Awards Ceremony on Friday night, Saturday’s WBC Amateur Boxing Show, and the grand finale with Saturday night’s awards dinner. It was a cavalcade of familiar faces as each event brought in huge crowds.
Both Marotta and Corrales-Lewis know the world of boxing extremely well. Marotta is an award-winning sportscaster who was inducted into the Southern California Sportscasters Hall of Fame and the California Boxing Hall of Fame. He spent decades at the mic with his radio show sharing his boxing knowledge with fans around the globe. He also spent many nights ringside commentating as well. He has an insider’s view of the sweet science that rivals anyone in the fight game. And now with Corrales-Lewis, his NVBHOF continues to build its legacy as one of the elite Hall of Fames worldwide.
Corrales-Lewis is also well-known and respected in the sport of boxing. She was married to beloved champion Diego “Chico” Corrales until his tragic passing 10 years ago. She has been involved with the NVBHOF since their inception and in 2014 became the Event Coordinator and Executive Vice President and later served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO). Michelle’s first year as President and being with the NVBHOF is a labor of love for her. She’s seen the other side of boxing and knows what the families and fighters sacrifice for success and glory. And she has a great relationship with the fighters, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, etc. as she learned the ropes from mentor Marotta.
This year’s NVBHOF festivities was definitely a KO affair, a first-class event with every detail attended to. Spectators told me they had a memorable time and the inductees themselves raved about all the nonstop activities they were happy to participate in.
August was the epicenter of boxing thrills as the NVBHOF ushered in the new inductees and special honorees during one thrilling weekend. And besides honoring the greats in and out of the ring, the best part of the NVBHOF is that they are a nonprofit organization that assists those in need in the fight community and beyond.
Check out my exclusive snapshots from the knockout weekend in which Marotta and Corrales-Lewis were joined by champions, actors, boxing luminaries and their families as they celebrated their 5th Annual awards show. And while it looks like a ton of fun (it was), the NVBHOF crew all worked tirelessly to ensure another historic induction for all!
Here are some pic of the former and current NVBHOF Presidents Rich Marotta and Michelle Corrales-Lewis with new inductees Leon Spinks, Michael Spinks, and Lucia Rijker, warriors Marco Antonio Barrera, Jessie Vargas, Ray Mercer, Elena Reid, the music industry’s Ryan Lewis, actor John Castellanos and more.
Congrats to all the new honorees and stay tuned for more recaps to come from all the NVBHOF events!
Photos by Michele Chong
