New Interview with the Boxing VP/Event Coordinator!

It’s time for the Class of 2014 Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (NVBHOF) Induction Dinner & Awards Ceremony to be held August 9 at the New Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas. This year has 18 inductees including Roberto Duran, George Foreman, Evander Holyfield, Cornelius Boza Edwards in the fighter category.

I attended the inaugural ceremony last summer and it was the toast of the town as all the heavy hitters came out to be part of this splashy affair in the “Mecca of Boxing.” This summer’s gala will also feature a Cocktail Reception, Silent and Live Auctions, Dinner, Induction Ceremony, special guests and much more. Be sure to purchase your tax-deductible tickets (www.nvbhof.com) before it sells out. I remember last year’s gathering sold out with tons of fans wishing they had bought their tickets in time–so don’t miss out on August’s awards show!

As their sophomore season gets underway, I contacted NVBHOF Founder and President Rich Marotta to hear all about this year’s event. Rich is a renowned sports commentator and radio host and a multiple Hall of Famer himself. He told me about the addition of some new team members. This year the NVBHOF has enlisted two “superwomen,” both who have been involved in the sport for years: Michelle Corrales-Lewis is the wife of the late Diego “Chico” Corrales and is the new Vice President and Rachel Charles is the Director of PR. The NVBHOF team and board members held a Meet & Greet event in April of this year and are now heading into the final stretch for their awards bash.

Rich mentioned how remarkable it is that Michelle accepted an award for Diego just last year and now she’s one of the invaluable members of the team.

“She has carried the main load of this year’s event. Just one year ago, (and you have the pictures) Michelle was standing up there with her kids, accepting the trophy on behalf of Diego,” NVBHOF’s CEO Marotta comments, “After joining our board, she became Event Coordinator and now is Executive Vice President of the NVBHOF.”

I caught up with Michelle Corrales-Lewis to hear how everything was going. I had seen the pretty brunette before at various functions through the years but I’ve never had the chance to get to know her better until now. And I learned very quickly that the Vegas resident is a multi-tasker raising five children with husband Ryan Lewis, helping to coordinate the NVBHOF and also working in the music industry with R&B artist Lloyd! She is friendly, funny, down-to-earth and business savvy.

And during our hour-long conversation, I learned her heartfelt motivation for pushing forward and striving to help make the nonprofit NVBHOF a charity that continues to give back while honoring boxing’s best. She is very passionate about helping others in need. The nonprofit organization is the perfect fit for Corrales-Lewis and her efforts in continuing to fortify Diego Corrales’ lasting legacy in boxing. The former champ known as “Chico” died in a tragic motorcycle accident back in 2007 while Michelle was pregnant with their baby boy. Diego was a true warrior beloved in the boxing world and has not been forgotten.

In this new interview, hear Michelle’s thoughts on working with the NVBHOF, how Diego continues to inspire her and what she’s looking forward to most at the 2014 NVBHOF ceremony.

Michele Chong: Hi Michelle! The NVBHOF event is coming up soon. During the 2013 inaugural banquet, you were on stage accepting an award in honor of Diego and now one year later you are the Executive Vice President and Event Coordinator for the NVBHOF. How did you get more involved in the organization?

Michelle Corrales-Lewis: Rich originally asked me to be the Event Coordinator. But since then it has involved into a lot more. (Laughs) And with Rich being in Reno and I’m in Vegas, it just progressed into more. I really enjoy helping them build a foundation. We have a lot of community outreach programs and we’re always trying to raise funds to help others.

MC: And you have known Rich Marotta for a while, right?

MCL: Yes, I’ve known Rich for a long time, I think since early 2000 and during the Mayweather-Corrales fight. Diego always used to stop by to talk to him. And Diego always spoke so highly of Rich so I’m very proud to be working with him now. And it was Rich’s son Joey that also helped in first contacting me about getting more involved with the NVBHOF. I told them I’d love to help and be part of the team especially with them honoring Diego and preserving his legacy.

MC: What will this year’s Hall of Fame be like? Last year was great so it’s a tough act to follow. (Laughs) But I have a feeling you guys will make this year just as memorable.

MCL: Last year was spectacular! This year we’re expecting 600-700 people; I’m hoping to max out the room. (Laughs) There will be a silent auction and a live auction and besides all the inductees, there will be surprise guests and other champs there. We want all the boxing fans to come out and be a part of this too. I always say, “If you’re a real boxing fan, you should be here!”

MC: I know this awards show takes a lot of planning and hard work for all of you involved. What would you say your biggest challenge has been?

MCL: The biggest challenge is getting the entire boxing community’s support not just for this awards but to continue as a nonprofit. It’s not just a “party” once a year…We want to have a museum someday too. We want a nice Hall of Fame museum to cherish these fighters.

We also want to give back. We would like to get grants to help others and help educate our children about the history of boxing. We also want to help youth organizations and programs and continue donating equipment to boxing clubs. And we need donations to do this. So we’re hoping that when people see how the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame is they will donate so we can help others

MC: Your event is fast approaching! What are you looking forward to most?

MCL: Yeah, this is the final stretch! I’m really looking forward to seeing the night evolve. The fighters give so much. Now that they’re being honored and there’s a special joy they have–a smile–that’s priceless. These are first-class athletes, referees and more who will be honored and I can’t wait to see them all mix and mingle and express their excitement. All the greats will be there under one roof!

And it’s really a different energy when you’re being honored. You know Diego loved events like these and I think it’s his energy that motivates me to continue too. He really loved these events and I’ve allowed Diego’s energy to motivate me.

MC: Diego was a big fan favorite and he remains one of the most popular fighters the fans loved to watch. When I saw him at boxing events, he was always smiling, always happy to be there…

MCL: Oh yeah, he LOVED being around everyone! And he loved his fans. When he would fight at the MGM, they would try and take him out the back way but he would always go out the front doors to be among the fans. (Laughs) He wanted to see them. He loved it! And sometimes he’d stay so long taking pictures with everyone the security would have to get them all to leave. (Laughs)

MC: Diego will always be missed by the boxing community. How is your family doing now? You have two kids with Diego?

MCL: Yes, I actually have five children! I have Diego Chico Corrales, who’s 7, and Daylia, who’s 8. I was pregnant with little Diego when Diego passed; Daylia was just 14 months old. But Diego knew the baby was a boy and he helped name him. I also have a 21-year-ol Natia and the tattoo Diego had on his back is for her. And my husband Ryan and I have two girls: 3-year-old Ryan Michelle and 2-year-old Rayna. There are a lot of girls in the family! (Laughs)

MC: You and your husband Ryan are also involved in the music industry with R&B artist Lloyd. And you talk very openly about Diego and how supportive everyone has been.

MCL: I really have the support of my family! My mom, my brother Anthony, everyone. I couldn’t do it without them. And my husband has encouraged me to build Diego’s legacy. He’s very positive about all of this. We tell the kids they have two fathers–one in heaven and one here.

MC: You’ve been around boxing for years and I’m sure you’ve met all the champs now. But is there any fighter in particular you’re looking forward to seeing at the Hall of Fame dinner?

MCL: Through Diego and after he passed, I think I’ve met most of the fighters now so I can’t think of one in particular. I do get “starstruck” in one way thought–it really moves me when people give back and help! When the champs and boxes give back, that’s what I like seeing and those are the ones I love to meet.

I am also looking forward to seeing people receive recognition that they deserve. People like Joe Bliss, from the Wolf Pack in Reno. He is 81 years old! While he never went pro, he was a big part of amateur, youth and collegiate boxing. He is one of our seniors who has really helped boxing and he will be honored too.

Oh and I am looking forward to seeing Mike Tyson present the award to Evander Holyfield! That’s gonna be amazing. The flashbulbs are really gonna go off at that moment. It’s going to be exciting. And you never know who’s gonna show up; there will be a lot of fighters–not on the flier–who will be there too!

MC: I know it will be a memorable night. It was great talking to you, Michelle, and good luck with the event!

MCL: Thank you, Michele!

Don’t miss out on the 2014 Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

ALL THE BOXING CHAMPS UNDER ONE ROOF!

Tickets: www.nvbhof.com

Photos by Michele Chong