Superstars Shine at Inaugural Awards

We’ve all heard that saying: “Go big or go home.”

Living this motto to the fullest was the new Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (NVBHOF) Inaugural Induction Dinner and Ceremony which took place Saturday night at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

Here is my exclusive report and photos from the star-studded evening that was a mix of beauty and elegance, glitz and glamour, all combined with the biggest superstars in boxing to the most controversial figures in the sweet science as well. It had it all as Team NVBHOF definitely chose to “go big” in their first-ever live awards show honoring past and present icons of the sport. Legends Mike Tyson, Floyd Mayweather, Julio Cesar Chavez, Sugar Ray Leonard, Larry Holmes and more lent their support to this function.

Founded in 2012 by ringside commentator and radio host Rich Marotta, the NVBHOF is a nonprofit organization honoring boxing as well as donating to several youth organizations and boxing veterans in need. This gala event on August 10 was the coveted “Golden Ticket” as the bash sold out days before the show. The demand was so high that hundreds were turned down.

I had visited the team on Friday, the day before the event as final plans and early set up had already began. Walking into the venue on Saturday, I could feel the buzz and excitement quickly building an hour before the doors opened. Greeted by two feathered showgirls, patrons walked the red carpet toward the Grand Ballroom entrance where large marquees touted the NVBHOF logos at each side of the door. Entering the room, the cocktail hour and silent auction commenced. I took a look around and saw a stunning setting with two huge red boxing gloves towering over the guests, white glowing tables where the attendees could socialize and have a drink (with an open bar all night long), and rows of rare boxing memorabilia up for bid.

And this was only the beginning.

I give props to Founder/CEO Rich Marotta, CFO Saville Kellner, Director Digital Strategy Joseph Marotta, Secretary James Wimberly and their Board of Directors, Officers, Advisory Committee and sponsors (including the WBC, the UFC and Jägermeister) for a knockout night.

Even the hard-nosed veterans of boxing began to take notice that this was going to be a very special night indeed. Those who have traveled around the world and have seen it all were heard remarking how unique this sold-out soiree was. Where else could you see once bitter rivals share an embrace? I saw four heavyweights in the same building: Mike Tyson, Larry Holmes, Leon Spinks and Earnie Shavers socializing. There was notorious promoter Don King squaring off (in a friendly manner) versus Top Rank’s honcho Bob Arum. And fans observed “Iron” Mike Tyson give iconic referee Mills Lane a heartfelt greeting. There was the tall blonde Eva Futch (widow of Hall of Fame trainer Eddie Futch) taking in the adoration of her husband’s former pupils, protégés and champs including Freddie Roach and Larry Holmes. And women’s boxing was not forgotten with punchers Layla McCarter and Ana Julaton also making a splash amongst the crowd.

One of my many highlights of the night was seeing a large contingent of referees and judges coming out to support 2013 Inductees Mills Lane and Joe Cortez. I visited with Kenny Bayless, Tony Weeks, Bob Byrd, Adelaide Byrd, Russell Mora, Vic Drakulich, Richard Steele, Jay Nady and WBF Women’s Boxing Chairman Butch Gottlieb and more as these Nevada officials made a strong presence. Steely and steadfast in the ring, outside the ropes this group is by far one of the friendliest and funniest crew of people ever.

I also caught up with Mills Lane’s two sons, Terry and Tommy. The Lane boys are carrying on the legacy and are successful boxing promoters (“Let’s Get It On” Promotions); their upcoming show will be in Fallon, Nevada on August 24. Mills suffered a stroke over 10 years ago so this Las Vegas appearance was very special for all.

The banquet area was ready for the over 400 guests at this intimate gathering with a pound-for-pound lineup of champions. On each table was an eye-catching glass and floral centerpiece lit from within by Jorge Cornejo (By Dzign), a slick commemorative program and a menu of Filet Mignon, Jumbo Prawns and a Chocolate Cage sculpted dessert awaiting each guest.

There were 19 inaugural inductees honored this weekend including Mike Tyson, Mike McCallum, Julio Cesar Chavez, Sugar Ray Leonard, Larry Holmes, Oscar De La Hoya, Diego Corrales (accepted by Michelle Corrales), Freddie Roach, Eddie Futch (accepted by Eva Futch), Mills Lane, Joe Cortez, Don King, Bob Arum, Al Bernstein, Royce Feour, Marc Ratner, James Nave, Sig Rogich and Kirk Kerkorian. They were all presented bronze and walnut statues designed by artist and boxing trainer Steve Harpst, who was honored to be part of this historic event. “It was great to see the trophies in the hands of the inductees,” Joseph Marotta commented.

Awards plaques also went to “Fighter of the Year” Floyd Mayweather, “Female Fighter of the Year” Layla McCarter, “Amateur Fighter of the Year” Josue Gaytan-Garcia, “Prospect of the Year” Jesse Magdaleno and Nevada Champ Ishe Smith.

This new-kid-on-the-block organization took a gamble to offer the highest quality show they possibly could–and they succeeded. It’s not easy to impress the worldwide VIPs in the audience, but the NVBHOF pulled off the feat. It was a first-class affair with a fun and friendly vibe that guests are still buzzing about. The gala was as fancy as it gets but warm and inviting too.

And it was a veritable wall-to-wall room of champs and boxing luminaries as I spoke to and saw so many familiar faces in the vicinity. Besides all the award recipients I listed above, I also saw Leon Spinks, Earnie Shavers, Wayne McCullough, Joey Gilbert, Kevin Kelley, Roger Mayweather, actor David Arquette, Johnny “Bump City” Bumphus, Alex Ramos, Jacquie Richardson (Retired Boxer’s Foundation), Mayweather’s “TMT” (The Money Team), J’Leon Love, Badou Jack, Ashley Theophane, Lanell Bellows, Shawn Porter, boxing historian Tony Triem, manager Frank Espinoza, author/photographer Mary Ann Lurie Owen (“Extraordinary Women of the Ring”), Pepper Roach (brother of Freddie Roach), and so many more. Pepper had another stroke in 2011 but the veteran trainer was in good spirits and doing a lot better. Pep was with his family including his two beautiful daughters, Esa and Rayenn. I was happy to catch up with them as the feisty Pepper Roach insisted I “hit” him on the chin for the cameras–he sure is a tough one! The Roach family were all there to support Freddie.

Attendees spanned generations with A-listers like the current “King of the Ring” Floyd Mayweather (who, arguably, rules today’s boxing kingdom) and up-and-comer singing sensation Wynona Leigh McCullough (daughter of former WBC champ and Olympic medalist Wayne McCullough). And it transcended ages as I saw 21-year-old Jesse Magdaleno receive his award on the same stage as a pair of 81-year-old promoters in Don King and Bob Arum. Jesse wore a classic button down shirt and slacks while the flag-waving Don King wore his tricked-out trademark denim jacket. “Only in America!”

And in the fight game, there are always the highs and lows of the sport. And this show was no different as I saw a familiar–yet highly controversial figure–make his way around the cocktail hour. It was none other than the exiled trainer Panama Lewis. A veteran of the game, Lewis worked with Roberto Duran and Aaron Pryor before being banned from working corners. Many did not recognize this notorious cornerman, but several people did talk to Panama since he did work over three decades in boxing.

But back to the highlights of the show. After dinner, there were speeches, presentations and a lovely National Anthem by 15-year-old recording artist Wy Mac (Wynona McCullough). Notables Barry Tompkins (emcee for the night), Bill Handel, Colonel Bob Sheridan and others spoke of the importance and pride of finally having a Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame to call their own. There was also a live auction, an unveiling of a painting by Richard Slone, donations to youth boxing clubs and nonprofits, WBC belts and medals presented and offered up for bid and video clips of the inductees.

Floyd Mayweather brought up an impressive entourage of champions, contenders, future champs who train with The Money Team. Mayweather thanked everyone for all their support and promises an exciting showdown with Canelo Alvarez on September 14 in Vegas.

The speeches from the honorees ranged from emotional (Eva Futch and Michelle Corrales) to downright knee-slapping funny like Don King and Larry Holmes’ turns at the mic. Heavyweight Holmes practically stole the show with his speech that could have doubled for a stand-up routine. “The Easton Assassin” relayed hilarious memories about Mike Tyson, Don King and Bob Arum (as the trio were sitting just feet away from each other). Larry could easily have a second career doing a one-man comedy show if he wanted to.

Closing the show was the one and only “Iron” Mike Tyson, who accepted his award from Rich Marotta and Barry Tompkins. The tattooed slugger is synonymous with boxing in Las Vegas as he fought many of his most memorable bouts at Caesars Palace and the Mirage in Sin City.

And after all the memorable speeches, it was time for this “Chatter Box” to say goodbye and bid adieu to this historic happening on the Vegas Strip.

GO BIG OR GO HOME. The NVBHOF team went big.

Many guests lingered long after the night officially ended as they reconnected with others in the boxing circles, not wanting the night to end. The awards crew thought of everything from beginning to end to make this awards show one for the ages. The Monte Carlo staff were there at the red carpet exit to hand out gift bags with NVBHOF and WBC souvenirs in it.

As we made our way outside, members of the boxing fraternity were still milling around by the valet line.

I ran into Eva Futch, wife of the late trainer Eddie Futch, who had received a posthumous award earlier in the night.

Still emotional from the evening, the blonde beauty told me how much it meant to her that the boxing family paid tribute to her husband. Eddie passed away back in 2001, but thanks to the Rich Marotta and the NVBHOF crew, the venerable trainer will always be remembered. Eva still lives in Vegas and was very proud and humbled to accept the award from President Marotta and Wayne “Pocket Rocket” McCullough.

Through tears, she smiled and clutched the trophy to her heart.

And that is just one of the goals the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame succeeded in–honoring boxing’s best in a night no one will ever forget.

PHOTOS BY MICHELE CHONG