Highlights from the Induction Ceremony
The 6th Annual Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (NVBHOF) awards weekend was a one-two punch combo with stellar events taking place August 17-18 at the famed Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Here is my recap and photos from the big boxing bash!The Class of 2018 included boxers Shane Mosley, Laila Ali, Kevin Kelley, Earnie Shavers, Chris Byrd, Alexis Arguello, Aaron Pryor, Henry Armstrong, Don Miner and in the non-boxer category: Senator Harry Reid, Todd duBoef, Jerry Roth, Jack “Doc” Kearns and Bill Miller. There were additional honors including Male Fighter of the Year Terence “Bud” Crawford several special achievement awards on Friday.
CEO and President Michelle Corrales-Lewis and NVBHOF Founder Rich Marotta welcomed the guests from around the globe with their Board of Directors, sponsors and team of volunteers all working tirelessly to ensure another epic year. The NVBHOF is a nonprofit organization that assists those in the boxing community and beyond.
Besides, the awardees, some of the recognizable faces convening at the various events were Evander Holyfield, Riddick Bowe, Leon Spinks, Michael Spinks, Earnie Shavers, Lamon Brewster, Fernando Vargas, Angel Manfredy, Ray Mercer, Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson, Jessie Vargas, Joel Casamayor, Brandon Rios, Winky Wright, Bones Adams, David Benavidez, Jose Benavidez Jr., Caleb Plant, Layla McCarter, Michael Carbajal, Badou Jack, Ronald Gavril, Elena Reid, James “Quick” Tillis, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Colonel Bob Sheridan, Ava Knight, Blair Cobbs, Shane Mosley Jr., Al “Ice” Cole, Kelcie Banks, Andy “The Hawk” Price, Bob Arum, Tom Loeffler, Al Bernstein, Jordan Hardy, Jeff Mayweather, Joe Cortez, Greg Everett, Fouad Zeton, the WBC’s Pepe Sulaiman, Nancy Rodriguez and Mo Noor, Richard Steele, Kenny Bayless, Kermit Bayless, Bobby Hoyle, Alexis Arguello Jr., Aaron Pryor Jr., Kenny Adams, Thaddine “Swift Eagle” Johnson, Josh Montalvo, James Wimberly, Eva Futch, Lisa King, Edward Armstrong Scott Jr., Shelley Williams, Dee Kelley, Michael Chavez, Rafael Garcia Jr., recording artist Lloyd, Apryl Jones, amateur champs Curmel Moton and Jayden Orpilla and many more.
It was a continuous reunion for the sluggers; some reconnected after decades apart while others met for the very first time. The guests came from near and far spanning from Las Vegas to Indiana to New Jersey to Louisiana to Mexico and more! There was also a mini-reunion between several members of the 1988 Olympic team too.
The knockout weekend featured a Meet & Greet Fan Experience, an X Factor photo booth (where fans could pose with a WBC belt), a VIP Cocktail Party with special awards (Blair Cobbs, Zach Smith, Curmel Moton, Badou Jack, Jessie Vargas and Nancy Rodriguez), a World Boxing Council (WBC) Green Belt Challenge amateur boxing show, a plush VIP Lounge (Melissa from bDASHd), all culminating in the Induction Dinner in the Augustus Ballroom. In between the events, there was also a silent auction, photo ops galore and a chance for the attendees to meet their favorite fighters on the red carpet. The legendary Caesars gladiators walked the champs and boxing icons into the banquet room.The star-studded induction ceremony showcased the 2018 inductees with James “Smitty” Smith and Amber Dixon on stage as the evening’s emcees. As guests dined on beef and chicken, the honorees took their turn in the spotlight. There were vintage film clips of the glory days, surprise guests and the revealing of this year’s always-epic dessert (a candy-coated version of inductee poster).
This year’s inductees received an armload of awards including State of Nevada (Governor Brian Sandoval) Certificates of Recognition, NVBHOF fine jewelry rings, collectible boxing rings (by Rick Nieto), mini World Boxing Council (WBC) championship belts, and bronze statues (by trainer/artist Steve Harpst).
The centerpieces were custom boxing gloves with the inductees’ faces printed on them made by Hovo Ayranjyan/Nazo Boxing. There was also a large painting by Mohammed Mubarak and a limited-edition souvenir program with a Richard Slone cover.
There were so many highlights during the glittery show. It would be hard for me to list them all. Some audience favorites included a KO group of heavyweight taking the stage for the Jack Johnson tribute. Prizefighters Ray Mercer, Lamon Brewster, Chris Byrd, Earnie Shavers, Evander Holyfield, Michael Spinks, Leon Spinks and Eddie Mustafa Muhammad stood in a row of solidarity as the heavyweight great’s pardon was remembered. U.S. Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (New York) also lent her support.
Standing ovations were given as the heartfelt speeches were heard. The audience responded with appreciative applause for the newest NVBHOF inductees. There was also a lively auction for a WBC green and gold championship belt. Former light heavyweight Fouad Zeton (who received this year’s President’s Award) led the intense bidding for the prized strap. Kamal Zeitoun was the victor with the winning bid of $13,000! The men traveled from New Orleans to attend this yearly event.
The finale of the show was Shane Mosley at the mic accepting his award. Team Mosley presented a trio of championship belts (that he had lost in his divorce) and the shining straps were held with pride. But little did we know, Shane had a huge surprise of his own. Dropping to one knee, he asked his girlfriend Trista Pisani for her hand in marriage! The spectators erupted in joy as confetti burst from above as a champagne toast took place.
It truly was a fairy-tale ending to another historic event with the NVBHOF.
Congratulations to all the award recipients!
Photos by Michele Chong