A Knockout Weekend in Vegas

Viva Las Vegas!

The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (NVBHOF) held their 3rd Annual Induction Awards this past Saturday, August 8 and the nonprofit organization really outdid themselves in providing a knockout weekend for the inductees, special honorees, VIP guests and fans who all converged in one place at the same time–at the storied Caesars Palace on the glittering Strip.

It was two days and nights (Friday and Saturday) chock full of events celebrating the fight game. This is my special report with some exclusive snapshots of some of the sights I witnessed during the KO weekend in which 21 inductees entered into the NVBHOF.

Everywhere I looked there was a pro fighter in the vicinity; the Caesars Conference Center and Ballrooms were a veritable “wall to wall” champions. The list of luminaries is so long I can’t name everyone I saw but all the superstars and sluggers were there in person such as Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Sugar Ray Leonard, Felix “Tito” Trinidad, Marco Antonio Barrera, Joel Casamayor, Wayne McCullough, Kevin Kelley, Jessie Vargas, Mike McCallum, Leon Spinks, James “Quick” Tillis, Cornelius Boza Edwards, Joey Gilbert, Bermane Stiverne, Ishe Smith, Ron Gavril, J’Leon Love, Badou Jack, Ashley Theopane, Zab Judah, Shane Mosley, Victor Ortiz, Layla McCarter, Ava Knight, Laura Serrano, Dawn (“Dee”) Kelley, Elena “Baby Doll” Reid, Ana Julaton, Joey Giambra, referees Kenny Bayless, Tony Weeks, Russ Mora, Kermit Bayless, Richard Steele, Joe Cortez, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman, boxing’s Thell Torrence, Shelley Williams, Eva Futch, and so many more familiar faces that had the flashbulbs going nonstop. The list who was there continues and the list continues; again, it’s impossible to name each and every VIP there it was that jam-packed with boxing’s best.

President/CEO Rich Marotta, COO Michelle Corrales-Lewis, the NVBHOF Board of Directors, Advisory Committee and army of volunteers all worked tirelessly to provide an amazing two days of activities for the inductees. On Friday, there was the unveiling of the new Museum Exhibit (temporary installed at Caesars, the “Home of Champions”), a press conference with Marvin Hagler and a private Champ’s Reception (with special awards presented) at the new Vortex at the Linq.

The festivities continued on Saturday with the second day of the inaugural museum taking place, a brand new radio show introduced (iNVBH radio), photo booth opportunities with the World Boxing Council (WBC) and a proclamation with the WBC proclaiming a special “Wayne McCullough Day” honoring Ireland’s beloved “Pocket Rocket” champ.

There was also a Celebrity Gifting Suite event, Cocktail Hour, Silent Auction, Red Carpet arrivals all leading to the Awards Dinner held in the Palace Ballroom.

The fans got their fill with an abundance of epic “selfies,” photo ops and autographs galore.

It was an honor for me to be there for this memorable weekend where the NVBHOF honored individuals who have made their mark in the sport. I’ve attended every year and this nonprofit continues its ascent as it continues to grow. This year’s installment was a flashy yet classy affair that attendees will never forget. I know I won’t forget it. It was an experience like no other.

The dinner ceremony began with a bang as each living inductee walked down a path (through the over 1,200 ticket holders) while being escorted in by costumed Caesars reenactors! Only in Vegas. It was a sight you don’t see every day. There was plenty of pomp and circumstance with these eye-popping entrances as the boxing stars were heralded by the Caesars crew–and the audience giving them standing ovations.

And it was standing-room only as each inductee was presented with a bronze sculpture (by boxing trainer/artist Steve Harpst), a mini belt from the WBC, along with a mini ring plaque by Rick Nieto and a custom boxing glove by Hovo Ayranjyan (Nazo Boxing) with the faces of the inductees emblazoned on the glove! Announcers Al Bernstein, Rosie Perez and Crystina Poncher provided excellent commentary as the evening continued. There were vintage film clips preceding the inductees, unique centerpieces involving red roses and a boxing ring, a dessert shaped like a boxing glove (filled with fresh fruit and chocolate ganache!), and so much more.

There are so many highlights from the bash that I will always remember. Where else can you see once-bitter rivals reconnect in Vegas AND at the legendary Caesars Palace (“Where Boxing Legends Where Born”)? I also got to touch the famed Caesars boxing ring where many of the inductees and fighters once went toe to toe. I watched Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera humbly accept a huge ovation from his family and the crowd showing love. I could see the pride and love bursting from his wife, kids and family of supporters.

I also heard tough guy Marvelous Marvin Hagler’s voice crack as he became extremely emotional when his turn at the mic came. I saw the big guy, “The General,” Eddie Mustafa Muhammad get teary eyed when it was his time on stage. A sentimental Lennox Lewis paid homage to his dear mother for being there for him; Tito Trinidad also gave a moving speech as well as Barrera too. All the inductees were moved when taking their place in history; each speech heartfelt and sincere. And “TBE” Floyd Mayweather Jr. commanded the stage when he accepted his “Fighter of the Year” award. Mayweather’s presence was felt as The Money Team flanked boxing’s Ring King.

I was there five days in Vegas and it flew by so fast. I wish I could relive each and every moment as I know this was a very special time for the boxing community. I had a chance to reconnect with many boxing pals I hadn’t seen in years while making plenty of new acquaintances as well.

One of my own favorite memories was getting a sneak preview of the Museum Exhibit on Thursday night. Rich Marotta, Michelle Corrales-Lewis, Dee Kelley and a great team of ladies including Pandora, Victoria, Natia (“TiTi”) and more worked through the night (“Who needs sleep?”) to set up the beautiful museum that paid tribute to fighters past and present. Their labor of love paid off when I saw the fans’ reaction Friday morning. And the champs themselves told me what a true honor it was to see their robes, trunks, fight-worn gloves and shoes respectfully displayed in all its glory. The “Fighting Cowboy” James “Quick” Tillis and his wife Vanessa were very touched to see Tillis’ mementos featured center stage in the museum. “It was an honor to have my memories displayed,” the puncher told me, as he also wanted to give a hearty shout out to Shelley Williams for her big assist in the museum.

And this museum exhibit by Marotta and Corrales-Lewis really was a labor of love. Marotta is a boxing veteran and Hall of Famer who knows just about everyone in the sport from past decades to today’s current stream of champs. And Michelle is the widow of Diego “Chico” Corrales, a fan favorite who passed away way too soon. In this NVBHOF Museum, Marotta and Corrales-Lewis gave our heroes a chance to be remembered and revered, receiving the respect each blood-and-guts gladiator deserves. And it gives the boxers’ families a chance to see their loved ones finally get the glory they deserve too.

On Thursday night, I chatted with Dee Kelley, wife of Kevin “Flushing Flash” Kelley. When I entered, she was placing shoes, robes and more on the mannequin displays. She showed me the special section dedicated to her husband’s fights and I saw her eyes light up when she surveyed the room showcasing these athletes who leave it all in the ring.

And I think that sentiment sums up what the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame stands for–to honor the sport of boxing in Nevada and also donate and take part in community activities through this NVBHOF nonprofit. A one-two punch that honors these prizefighters, some are household names while others are hard-nosed veterans who might not have received the attention they truly deserved.

I was very fortunate to be part of some behind-the-scenes moments that will last me a lifetime. I love the sport of boxing and I’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly in the sport. But I have to say the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame team brought out the VERY best in everyone. Marotta and Corrales-Lewis received heaps of praise from the inductees, sponsors and attendees as I heard the compliments continue to flow.

The NVBHOF was glorious, emotional, exciting, bittersweet, spirited, and a nonstop thrill fest. At times, it was very busy (for me, at least) as I helped Steve Harpst Bronzes with his statue display in the museum and then the dinner (21 inductee awards) while covering all the events…but I wouldn’t want it any other way. I enjoyed every second, every minute of it all. And I wish I could relive it all.

I have so many funny, touching, great moments that are unforgettable. It was cool to see Reno’s hometown heroes Rich Marotta and fighter Joey Gilbert shake ends at the end of Friday night’s fun gala at The Vortex, a job well done, guys! It was also a real tearjerker to see Joey Giambra and his family moved to tears as the WBC’s Jill Diamond presented Giambra with an honorary gold and green WBC belt. Yank Barry also received a special award and the businessman/musician/humanitarian celebrated with Shelley Williams and several well wishers under the glow of the Linq’s High Roller ride.

I also saw Ray Leonard and Marvin Hagler hug it out as the crowd enveloped them. I watched as Marvelous signed some rare autographs for a few lucky and delighted fans. I noticed heavyweights Leon Spinks and James “Quick” Tillis chatting it up in a corner as their wives beamed nearby. And the WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman and Marvelous Marvin Hagler embraced in a special moment between the two. And the younger champions were also involved. “Vicious” Victor Ortiz told me he was having a blast as he and WBC’s Tom Sarkis (Vie Cachee) visited the spacious ballroom area where the museum and induction events where held.

Ortiz said he wants to return to the ring soon after his injury heals. Heavyweight Bermane Stiverne also told me he plans to lace up again soon, possibly in October. It was great talking boxing with the attendees and the sweet science was center stage for the whole weekend. I also got some quality time with the NVBHOF’s Rich Marotta, Helen Marotta, Michelle Corrales-Lewis, James Wimberly, Jeff Zimmerman, Ligia Zimmerman, the WBC group (Mauricio Sulaiman, Jill Diamond, Pepe Sulaiman, Ceci Sulaiman, Pepe Toño Sulaiman, Nancy Rodriguez and more), Boxing in Las Vegas’ Butch Gottlieb and Mary Ann Owen, Ceatta Bogataj, Besana Bogataj, all of my other media friends, Doug Ward and his kids (Title Boxing), fighters Ava Knight, Jessie Vargas, Joey Gilbert, Laura Serrano, Wayne McCullough (and wife Cheryl and daughter Wynona McCullough), and Mike “The Bodysnatcher” McCallum. I did my best to get the inside scoop on how McCallum scored those vicious body shots of his while we chatted with the heavyweight late Saturday night long after the banquet ended.

Personally, I thank each and every one of you for making the NVBHOF weekend the best it could be!

IT WAS ONE FOR THE AGES.

Until next year, fight fans.

Don’t miss out on the 2016 Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame weekend. Our boxing family is like no other. We are already counting down the days!

Photos by Michele Chong