New Inductees at Private Event
The National Boxing Hall of Fame (NBHOF) hosted “A Salute to the World of Boxing” on Sunday, April 23 at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello, Calif.
On the eve of the big awards show, a private party was held for the inductees, their families and close friends at a nearby hotel.
President Bill Young and Vice President Linda Young welcomed a knockout group of guests who traveled from near and far to attend the weekend festivities in Los Angeles.
It was a sold-out ceremony that ushered in the Class of 2023 which included Jackie Atkins, Iran Barkley, Kenny Bayless, Kermit Bayless, Jeff Bumpus, Hector “Macho” Camacho Sr. (posthumous), Yori Boy Campas, Graciela Casillas, Roberto Duran, Art Frias, Jimmy Lennon Sr. (posthumous) and Jimmy Lennon Jr., Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, Juan Manuel Marquez, Ray Mercer, Jimmy Montoya, Michael Nunn, Vinny Paz, Bridgett “Baby Doll” Riley, Nancy Rodriguez, Gabriel Ruelas, Rafael Ruelas, Antonio Tarver, Larry Young and David Tua (2020 inductee) plus special awards presented to Carlos Avilas, Steve DeBro, Andy Dominguez, Eric Eckenberger, Jimmy Lennon Sr., Pepe Sulaiman and Rex Walker.
On April 22 (the night before the induction event) the honorees got a chance to mingle with each other while relaxing under the warm Southern California sun. It was a casual, friendly atmosphere that allowed the champs and boxing personalities to enjoy their day before the next day’s banquet got underway.
Many of the new inductees were there in person along with their fellow prizefighters including Yaqui Lopez, Michael Spinks, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Paul Banke, Ernie Brown, and many more arriving throughout the day and night.
Vinny Paz met with well wishers and signed championship belts, twin boxing officials Kenny and Kermit Bayless had a lot of family members with them all wearing Team Bayless shirts, hats and lanyards, David Tua flew in from New Zealand to take part in the fiesta and Roberto Duran was also a popular draw at the boxing get-together.
It was the perfect prelim gathering before the superstars took to the stage. It was positive energy all around and a mini reunion of sorts as well.
Check out my exclusive snapshots from the bash!
Photos by Michele Chong
The 2023 NBHOF Preview Article: