Highlights from the Star-Studded Events

As summer comes to a close, it’s time to take a look back at one of the highlights in the boxing universe: the 7th Annual Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (NVBHOF) weekend that took place in Las Vegas. Here’s my recap and snapshots from all the events!

This epic extravaganza was held for the first time ever at the Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa where some of the biggest names in the sport all convened to take part in myriad events held August 8-10. The weekend bash kicked off with a special preview at the new interactive NVBHOF exhibit at the HeadzUP Vegas Museum. After that knockout gathering, there was Friday’s Meet & Greet Fan Experience and a VIP Cocktail Party followed by Saturday’s amateur bouts with the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) Green Belt Challenge and the 2019 Awards Gala, Dinner and Induction Ceremony.

Founder and former President Rich Marotta, CEO Michelle Corrales-Lewis, and their team of team of volunteers, sponsors and board members worked tirelessly to present a memorable and exciting weekend for the fans, inductees, fighters and boxing aficionados who traveled from around the globe to attend the festivities celebrating a KO group of honorees.

The Class of 2019 included: BERNARD “THE EXECUTIONER” HOPKINS, JUAN MANUEL “DINAMITA” MARQUEZ, RONALD “WINKY” WRIGHT, HUMBERTO “CHIQUITA” GONZALEZ, VINNY “THE PAZMANIAN DEVIL” PAZ, “TERRIBLE” TERRY NORRIS, “SCHOOLBOY” BOBBY CHACON, JOEL “EL CEPILLO” CASAMAYOR, WAYNE “POCKET ROCKET” McCULLOUGH, HASIM “THE ROCK” RAHMAN, LEROY “IRISH” HALEY, FLOYD MAYWEATHER SR., DUANE FORD, DAN GOOSSEN, DR. EDWIN “FLIP” HOMANSKY AND MARC RISMAN.

During the various events, there were so many one-of-a-kind highlights! Thursday’s private party at the HeadzUp location featured a birthday cake for boxing brothers Leon and Michael Spinks along with a catered Southern feast (by the late Sharon Harrell/TC’s BBQ Crib) and a sneak peek inside the cool NVBHOF exhibit of boxing memorabilia and collectibles.

Friday was the fun Meet & Greet where attendees got the opportunity to see their heroes up close; Friday night was the private VIP reception in which the boxers and champions were brought up on stage by announcer Rich Marotta and closed out the night dancing to the old-school tunes by the live DJ. It was a great display of pound-for-pound world champs, veteran fighters and rising stars.

Saturday showcased a WBC amateur boxing show that was very well attended. It was a chance for the community to see some young, hungry amateurs go toe to toe for the victory. There were many close battles and talent seen. And Saturday night was reserved for the big gala. It did not disappoint. There was a busy red carpet, an auction, and the awards ceremony with emcees Al Bernstein and Cynthia Conte. Wy Mac (daughter of Hall of Famer and champion Wayne McCullough) and Bridget Gonzalez sang the National Anthems before the speeches got underway.

The inductees showed a range of emotions as they accepted their awards which included a bronze statue by Steve Harpst, a souvenir boxing ring by Rick Nieto, fine gold rings and WBC mini belts. And the fancy NVBHOF dessert at the awards show is always a sweet finale; this year’s edible concoction was an intricate design crafted with chocolate, mousse and more. Also known for their unique centerpieces, the 2019 NVBHOF table topper was an eye-catching design in a boxing theme, of course.

During the night, as the living awardees each took their turn in the spotlight, their friends and families beamed with pride seeing their well-deserved accolades from their peers. Vinny Paz surprised the audience by giving away his prized Rocky Marciano ring to fellow champ Layla McCarter in a spirited moment in the evening!

This year’s Hall of Fame proved to be an action-packed weekend at the Red Rock. This Summerlin venue is a gorgeous resort and casino and their nightclub and banquet halls were a big hit with the ticket holders. These events are fundraisers for the nonprofit Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame and in turn the NVBHOF assists the underserved in the community and beyond.

The guests and inductees told me that had an incredible time as it as a veritable “Who’s Who” of people watching and mingling at the get-togethers. There were so many pro fighters, Olympians, world titlists, amateur stars, cornermen, and others in the sport all representing at the NVBHOF. It would be impossible to list every notable individual that attended all the celebrations but spotted in the crowd were tons of familiar faces.

Besides the inductees, presenters and those previous mentioned, during the two-day bash there were sightings of Floyd Mayweather, Shane Mosley, Fernando Vargas, Jessie Vargas, Jose “JC” Ramirez, Blair Cobbs, Layla McCarter, Louisa “Bang Bang” Hawton, Lamon Brewster, Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson, Bones Adams, Iran Barkley, Cornelius Boza Edwards, Thell Torrence, Shane Mosley Jr., Tony “The Tiger” Lopez, James “Quick” Tillis, Hasim Rahman Jr., Earnie Shavers, Al “Ice” Cole, Kevin Kelley, Muhsin Cason, Roberto Duran Jr., Zhang “Dragon King” Junlong, Dana White, Elvis Phillips (Grant Gloves), James “Smitty” Smith, Anthony Curtis, Greg Hannley, Doug Ward, Jimmy Montoya, Shelley Williams, referee Joe Cortez, ring announcer Ralph Velez Jr., the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) Mauricio Sulaiman, Pepe Sulaiman, Jill Diamond and Nancy Rodriguez and so many more!

The NVBHOF weekend was definitely a highlight of the year and one for the ages. Congrats to all the 2019 Inductees!

A Visit to the Museum: Click here

Photos by Michele Chong