Legends Attend Awards Show
The National Boxing Hall of Fame’s (NBHOF) “Salute to the World of Boxing” Awards Ceremony was held on April 28 at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello, California.
The Class of 2024 included Marco Antonio Barrera, Evander Holyfield, Shane Mosley, Micky Ward, Reggie Johnson, Manuel Medina, Hilario Zapata, Sumya Anani, Stephen Blea, Joe Botti, Bill Clancy, Jacob “Stitch” Duran, Roy Englebrecht, Diane Fischer, Jimmy Finn, Don McGuire, and Bernardo Osuna. The families of the late Gabriel “Flash” Elorde and the late Arturo Gatti accepted their awards plus those who could not attend in person–Barbara Buttrick (award accepted by grandson Marc Stamp), Roy Jones Jr. and Winky Wright were also mentioned.
Special awards went to Rocky Herron, Eiji Yoshikawa, Dr. Jim Nave, Diego Aviles and the late Eddie Futch (wife Eva Futch accepted his award).
NBHOF President Bill Dempsey Young, Vice President Linda Young and Executive Vice President/Producer Drew Young showcased a star-studded event with the induction awards, epic film clips, souvenir booths, and the unveiling of the trailer for Eva D. Jones-Young’s new documentary “Sweet Magic.”
The Crystal Ballroom was sold out (approximately 700 guests) and filled to capacity with so many prizefighters, champions, trainers and boxing aficionados in the banquet hall.
There were so many stars in attendance including Oscar De La Hoya, Timothy Bradley, James Toney, Victor Ortiz, Carlos Palomino, Michael Spinks, Ruben Olivares, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Shane Mosley Jr., Jack Mosley, singer Ray J, Yaqui Lopez, Albert Davila, Zack Padilla, Mike Weaver, The Weaver Triplets (Floyd, Lloyd and Troy), Eva D. Jones-Young, Larry Young, Paul Banke, Mike Anchondo, Jack Reiss, Gene Aguilera, Young Dick Tiger, Henry Tillman, Carlos Zarate, Greg Puente, Art Frias, Claudia Trejos, Jill Diamond, Nancy Rodriguez, the Cleto Reyes family (Elizabeth, Malena and Beto), Steve Harpst, Sergio Jimenez, Ramblin’ Ralph Velez, Crystina Poncher, Mark Lanton, Benjamin Rendon, Monique Rendon, Jose Manzur, Edmundo Vergara, Mathew Porcellino, Manny Nava, Chris Smith, Gary Todd, Sue Fox, Patrick Ragan, Jimmy Gambina, Nars Martinez, Holly Gregson, Jesse Benavidez, Butch Gottlieb, Mary Ann Owen, Eva Futch, Shelley Williams, Lita Kaufman, Eric Lee, Rudy Tellez, Alan Santana, Sonny Shapiro, Nate Wren, Antonio Ramirez, Barry Becker, 
Don DeVerges, Mel Twining, and so many more.
Don DeVerges, Mel Twining, and so many more.The inductees and guests came from all over the globe traveling from England, Ireland, Australia, Panama, the Philippines, Mexico, Canada, etc. to witness the Class of 2024 induction ceremony. The U.S. was represented too as participants arrived from Idaho, Florida, Texas, Indiana, Kansas. New Jersey, New York, Oregon, North Carolina, Missouri, Indiana, Georgia, Massachusetts, Colorado and more!
The visitors and locals all convened on the outdoor patio chatting with the champs, posing for photos and getting autographs. There were red carpet arrivals, large banners greeting the inductees, and a glossy souvenir program at each place setting. Then the show began with introductions from the emcee Bill Young as patrons enjoyed a delicious lunch in the Crystal Ballroom (that overlooks a beautiful golf course).
The inductees watched fight highlights before they stepped up to the podium. The acceptance speeches were very touching and filled with gratitude, humor, appreciation and, understandably, lots of emotion.
The NBHOF’s brand new “In Your Corner” was also introduced. It is a mental health alliance inspired by Stephen Carnegie (Sgt. And Jodie Sampson was invited to the stage to speak about Carnegie). The NBHOF organization continues to grow and has opened up a Nashville branch headed by Drew Young.
The NBHOF is truly a labor of love for Team Young. Bill and his wife Linda are the heart and soul of the group and have worked tirelessly though the years hosting their Hall of Fame ceremonies, the California Boxing Hall of Fame, their “15 Rounds Down Memory Lane” gathering, among various events.
And they do it all for the love of the sweet science. Bill’s father was famed referee Dick Young and the sport of boxing has long been a part of their family. They want to honor those who gave it their all in the ring, those who’ve contributed to the fight game and individuals who have made their mark in pugilism.
These awards brings everyone together and gives the awardees their well-deserved time in the spotlight. As the years go by, the memories can fade but thanks to organizations like the NBHOF the champions will live on forever. And seeing the fight highlights playing on the screens during the introductions is always a treat.
“I watch entire fights over and over as I make sure to find and select the best 45 career seconds for that individual,” Bill tells me. “Then I send my rough cuts videos to Drew, where he creates a big screen-worthy production to be enjoyed by all. My favorite part is watching the final production!”
I agree with Bill; the vintage films are one of my favorite parts too. It certainly adds a personal and poignant touch to watching the inductees shine in their glory days. And I always enjoy watching the champions watching their own fight clips and seeing the pride and emotion wash over their faces.
For the inductees, their families, friends and fans all over the world, the NBHOF was a nod to all that they have sacrificed while climbing to the top in their sport.
Congratulations to the 2024 National Boxing Hall of Fame Inductees. Well done!
Photos by Michele Chong