Champs Attend SoCal Event
It was a knockout day for the Class of 2019 as some of boxing’s best took to the stage to accept their honors at the National Boxing Hall of Fame (NBHOF) awards luncheon held at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello, Calif.
Here’s a recap of the recent event that recognized 2019 Honorees: Julio Cesar Chavez, Michael Carbajal, Humberto Gonzalez, Montell Griffin, David Diaz, Sean O’Grady, Raul Perez, Lucia Rijker, Mike Weaver, Jack Johnson, Alberto Reyes, Abel Sanchez, Bill Caplan, Jose Manzur, Amy Hayes, Jim Amato, Gene Aguilera, Carl King, Jim Strickland, and Alan Santana
This “Celebration of Champions” fiesta was hosted by Bill and Linda Young and featured speeches by the inductees, special guests and notables in the boxing world.
Joining the inductees at the function were Carlos Zarate, Jessie Vargas, Thell Torrence, Austin Trout, Gabe Ruelas, Rafael Ruelas, Paul Banke, Zack Padilla, Mari Cornejo, Frankie Duarte, Joseph Landeros, Ruben Castillo, Randy Shields, Yaqui Lopez, Alex Ramos, Manuel Medina, Aaron Snowell, Herman Montes, John Montes, Art Frias, Ronnie Essett, Bruce Trampler, Nancy Rodriguez, Fernando Paramo, Steve Harpst, Rob Garcia, Manny Nava, Shelley Williams, Edward Armstrong-Scott, Tony Bellard, Steve DeBro, Nate Wren, Martha Najera, actress Lindsay Wagner, jockey Laffit Pincay Jr. and many more.
I caught up with Linda Young to hear her thoughts about their April 28 awards show.
What are your thoughts and favorite highlights from this year’s awards?
“I have to say the turnout was amazing and as I see pictures posted there were champions and amateur boxers that I didn’t know were there!” she says. “I love the buzz and seeing the guys embracing each other, laughing and throwing punches, high-fiving it and more. It brings us so much pleasure and joy.
“Bill said what he noticed was when the room was quiet when Julio (Cesar Chavez) spoke. It was heartfelt. And Jose Manzur said it was the happiest day of his life.”
And what’s next for your NBHOF?
“We are keeping the NBHOF on a Sunday and are booked for 2020–April 26th,” Young reveals. “The world gets nutty but there is always love amongst it all. We love what we are able to do. We have some champs confirmed already for 2020! Exciting! Much love and respect to you, Michele.”
There was a lot of love and respect in the ballroom at the 2019 National Boxing Hall of Fame inductions as the awardees took their well-deserved time in the spotlight. The honorees and guests traveled from all over the world to take part in this annual event paying tribute to those in the fight game.
Bill and Linda Young want to “honor the boxing people in, around and out of the ring. And of course, we wish to honor the Kings and Queens of the sport–The Champions!”
Congrats again to all!
Photos by Michele Chong
