Induction Ceremony THIS Sunday!
The 2025 National Boxing Hall of Fame (NBHOF) induction ceremony will take place THIS Sunday, April 27, at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello, Calif.
This star-studded gala is now SOLD OUT with over 700 guests witnesssing the festivities inside the Crystal Ballroom. The NBHOF’s President Bill Young, Senior Vice President Linda Young, Executive Vice President/Producer Drew Young and their committee are celebrating their 10th anniversary of their nonprofit organization which honors boxing’s best in the game.
The Class of 2025 includes Larry Holmes, Ricardo “Finito” Lopez, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Mikey Garcia, Henry Tillman, Jackie Nava, Paulie Malignaggi, Robert Garcia, Zack Padilla, The Weaver Triplets (Troy, Floyd and Lloyd), Herman Montes, Tori Nelson and Salvador Sanchez. Special honors will be presented to Bob Arum, Jim Gray, Andy Foster, Tom Loeffler, Hervi Estrada, Elizabeth Reyes, Louis Rodriguez, Jorge Garralda, and Aileen Eaton.
The award show promises to be a knockout affair as the prizefighters and boxing luminaries will all receive their well-earned time in the spotlight.
I caught up with NBHOF VP Linda Young as the final countdown to April 27 begins. Check out what she has to say about the many champs, boxers and familiar faces that will be spotted in the crowd, how she feels about their ten years with the NBHOF and why she and Bill feel it’s important to cement the fighters’ legacies by honoring them.
Michele Chong: Hi Linda! The awards banquet will soon be here. What can you share with us about your event?
LY: This year we have some special guest boxers “Tony “The Tiger” Lopez, Victor Ortiz, Michael Nunn, Terry Norris, Michael Spinks, Ruben Olivares, Eva D. Jones-Young, Sumya Anani, Carlos Zarate, Carlos Palomino, Albert Davila, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Art Frias, Rafael Ruelas, Gabriel Ruelas, Yaqui Lopez and more being confirmed!
We also have the busy reporter from ESNews Elie Seckbach!
The tables will be loaded with referees and timekeepers from CSAC in support of Andy Foster! We never know who might show up too. We have the City of Azusa, the Mayor and Council in support of Zack Padilla. The room will be filled with many fans and boxing enthusiasts. And drum roll…the great heavyweight champion Larry Holmes! His wife and family will be in attendance. Jim Gray has confirmed as well! Stage will be full and the Weaver Triplets will be on stage as their wives will be in their seats taking photos by their request!
Special shout out to Dr. Louis Rodriguez as he sponsored some tables as well. Very kind and generous.
And on the Red Carpet…yours truly, the smashing Michele Chong will take the carpet with mic in hand as she deals out those great questions. Thank you, Michele!
MC: Thank you, Linda! And congrats again on the 10th Anniversary of the NBHOF.
LY: Yes! It is hard to believe that we are now 10 years of celebratingboxing champions from all over the world and the special boxing affiliates. So many memories forever etched in our hearts for Bill and myself. We are blessed!
MC: The time has really flown by since your 2024 gala. When did you choose the inductees and start planning this year’s ceremony?
LY: We start early before the holidays to acquire our list of inductees. Our file is huge with many nominations throughout the year. It’s difficult as there are so many champions and boxing affiliates that are deserving of the recognition. We have resources and very knowledgeable people in our boxing community who help select our inductees. The posthumous Is fascinating too; we have loved ones sending backstories on their family history.
MC: And this year, you have brand new shirts, hats and other NBHOF merch that will be available for purchase?
LY: Yes, the T-shirts are flying off the shelf–get them ASAP. We reordered and those are disappearing fast too!
MC: Your awards luncheon is always an exciting day with a full schedule. What would you say were your biggest challenges planning and organizing this year’s event?
LY: This year has been challenging as our inductees have very
busy schedules and unknown circumstances arrive as daily life is unpredictable.
Drew, our son has done a phenomenal job of tickets and seat arrangement which is always a challenge. He is keeping Mom in line and Pop too! Great crew for photography and videography. It’s pricey but we try to capture the memories of those special moments to keep the website alive. Drew is the master of this!
MC: And, finally, what are you looking forward to most about April 27?
LY: Our joy is seeing these inductees come to the stage and experience
the appreciation and support from the boxing community.
AND the boxing community reminisces these great warriors in the ring!
It is always Interesting when we research the inductees and their backstory and how they got involved in boxing. We are fortunate to speak to our wonderful Inductees and their boxing days in the ring. Bill has had many a conversation with the boxers and their fight game.
Oh and there are some great things in the wings for NBHOF. We are excited to see how it all unfolds. Stay tuned!
As always, it’s such a pleasure to have you in our corner Michele. You’re amazing and we love everything that you do. If it wasn’t for people like you, the great boxing family and fans who support us, we wouldn’t be where we are at today…celebrating our boxing family.
MC: Thanks again, Linda! And congratulations on the NBHOF’s 10th Anniversary!
