Induction Ceremony at the Biltmore Hotel
The West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame (WCBHOF) held their 2023 Banquet of Champions at the legendary Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. The March 12 awards show was a star-studded affair that included a delicious lunch and induction ceremony with video highlights and moving speeches. It was a celebration for the ages.
Founded in 2015 by President Rick Farris and Vice President Dan Hanley, the WCBHOF inducted the Class of 2023 including Sugar Ray Robinson, Manny Pacquiao, George Foreman, Carlos Zarate, James “Lights Out” Toney, Carlos Ortiz, Alvaro “Yaqui” Lopez, Eddie Futch, Berry Gordy Jr., Larry Merchant, Jack Reiss, Ken Buchanan, Eliza Olson, Bob Case, Mike Serrano, and “Judo” Gene LeBell. Special awards were also presented to “Amateur Boxer of the Year” Julius “Juju” Ballo, “Book of the Year” J. Russell Peltz (Thirty Dollars and a Cut Eye) and the “Tom Kelly Award” to Jacquie Richardson (Retired Boxers Foundation) and Alex Ramos.
The sold-out gala featured over six hundred attendees enjoying this special gathering inside the famed “Biltmore Bowl” known for it’s glitzy history, intrigue and opulence. The venue was historic and this year’s awards also proved to be epic as the WCBHOF is known for their attention to detail in providing a first-class event for the guests and honorees.
Spotted in the crowd were current fighters, former champions and Olympians, baseball and football stars, authors and historians, boxing trainers, referees, judges and matchmakers, stuntmen, actors and musicians, filmmakers, and more. It would be impossible to list all of the luminaries seated in the ballroom but among the spectators were Carlos “Famoso” Hernandez, “Iceman” John Scully, Michael Nunn, “Joltin” Jeff Chandler, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Herman Montes, Tony “The Tiger” Lopez, Paul Banke, Layla McCarter, Martha Salazar, Frankie Duarte, Jeff Bumpus, Shawn Hawk, Hedgemon Robertson, Robbie Tovar, Sergio “Surge” Jimenez, Giovanni Cabrera, Sindy Amador, Jayli Fimbres, Joe Cortez, Tom Taylor, Russ Mora, Ray Corona, Rudy Barragan, Ed Collantes, Steve Harpst, Lee Espinoza, Burney Spencer, Luis Tapia, Sonny Shapiro, Frank Stallone, Bill Caplan, Dougie Fischer, Alan Swyer, Steve DeBro, Chris Smith, Roberto Diaz, Eva Futch, Robert Sale, Tommy Primeau, Elizabeth Reyes, the Cleto Reyes family, Deborah Hawkins, Elvis Grant Phillips, Nate Wren, Craig Houk, Al “The Bull” Ferrara, Ron Yary and countless other familiar faces joining the festivities.
The banquet room was beautifully lit and several works of art by noted Filipino artist Jun Aquino were displayed around the stage. Echo Lynn Designs’ beaded art was also showcased with the proceeds of the lanyards, earrings and pens benefiting prizefighter and trainer “Iceman” John Scully’s Fallen Fighters organization which helps boxers in need.
Rick Farris, Dan Hanley, event coordinator Dimas Hern and their board members all worked tirelessly to ensure a knockout day for everyone. Farris is a longtime lighting director in TV and film and his attention to detail is clearly evident in all the planning. While working in show business, he is also immersed in the world of boxing as a former amateur, pro fighter, historian and World Boxing Hall of Fame alum.
I spoke to Rick a few days after his mega event to hear his thoughts. I know how hard he works on his galas, adding his personal touch and putting in so much time to plan every nuance in the show. But he also wants to thank others who have worked alongside him. “I’m so proud of the team,” he said, giving credit to his VP and board members. He also said he’s satisfied with the banquet in the way the focus was put on the inductees with their highlight reels and the time to accept their awards. With over 600 people at the function, the planning, scheduling and execution of the program was no doubt both immense and intense and the WCBHOF scored a win with this awards show.
Emcee Jim FitzGerald was seamless in introducing all the special guests and awardees to the stage. And the inductees’ speeches were, of course, heartfelt and memorable. There were thoughtful introductions, humorous anecdotes, colorful recollections, and tears of gratitude. There was even some singing in honor of 2023 inductee and Motown icon Berry Gordy Jr.!
The new Hall of Famers received painted Cleto Reyes gloves by Jun Aquino and lanyards handed beaded by Echo Lynn. Echo, board member Lupi Gutierrez Beagle and fighter/model Jayli Fimbres greeted each new awardee after their time on the microphone.
As the program continued, I noticed how elated and proud the inductees’ families and friends were when they watched their favorites walk to the podium. The WCBHOF always makes sure the awardees are treated with dignity and class–and appreciated for all that they’ve given to the sport of boxing.
For some of the fighters and champs, it may have been decades since they’ve heard the roar of applause and the cheers of admiration. They gave their all in the ring, sacrificing their health and putting everything else on the back burner for victory in the ring. It was great to see these warriors being honored for giving the fans such bittersweet battles on the canvas. These gladiators deserve this modern day glory and the WCBHOF makes it their mission to honor these men and women who are part of the fight game.
And this year’s “Banquet of Champions” also fell on Oscar Sunday, which was fitting that the glamour of the Academy Awards was matched by the prestigious West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame awards. In fact, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences was founded during a banquet at the Biltmore in 1927!
This year’s WCBHOF celebration was really one for the ages. From the minute you stepped into the spacious hotel lobby with its gilded ceilings and golden walls, you were transported back in time. There was an air of excitement when walking down to the Biltmore Bowl that something special was going to take place. And we all witnessed an incredible day watching some of the “Best in the West” receive their well-deserved tributes and honors.
It’s always a treat to notice former rivals shake hands and hug, or see veteran boxers meeting new young champions. Or catch glimpses of adoring fans (some who traveled from Japan, Mexico, etc.) meeting their heroes up close while getting a “selfie.” Treasured moments from a magnificent time with the champs and superstars in boxing. The camaraderie in the room was priceless as boxing can transcend age, race and gender. We were all part of this beloved “boxing family” at the WCBHOF soirée.
I had such a great time chatting with everyone from 19-year-old amateur star and decorated champ Julius “Juju” Ballo to 92-year-old commentating legend Larry Merchant. “Juju” is a bright young talent who has already won a long list of accolades and awards and is poised to become a future world champion. He is definitely one to watch. And it was an honor to catch up with the indomitable Larry Merchant, who will always be remembered for his HBO telecasts and his signature delivery in “telling it like it is.”
And “Big” George Foreman was a popular draw as the crowd clamored for a photo or autograph from the heavyweight great. A minister, business man, Olympic gold medalist, commentator and so much more, there’s even a new movie about his life called “Big George Foreman” coming to the theaters in April. But it is the human touch that sets him apart from many others. He is known for preaching the gospel and I asked one of his sons about this; he said his dad gave a sermon that same morning of the awards ceremony. Truly dedicated, George’s speech was also spiritual, triumphant and inspiring.
The West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame awards luncheon was such an instant classic so it’s no surprise that guests are already asking when the next one will be? WCBHOF President Farris says that they are planning for an October 20, 2024 banquet, so be sure to save the date.
Congrats again to all the new inductees and special awardees!
2023 WCBHOF Farris Interview:
2021 WCBHOF Awards:
Photo of Rick Farris courtesy of Farris/WCBHOF/Dimas Hern
Photos by Michele Chong