Sold-Out Crowd at Induction Ceremony!
The National Boxing Hall of Fame (NBHOF) held their 2025 awards ceremony on April 27 at the Quiet Cannon in Montebello, Calif. Over 700 guests gathered in the Crystal Ballroom as the Class of 2025 received their honors. Here is my special report and photos from the gala.
The new 2025 inductees are: 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 were presented to Bob Arum, Jim Gray, Andy Foster, Tom Loeffler, Hervi Estrada, Elizabeth Reyes, Louis Rodriguez, Jorge Garralda, Aileen Eaton along with two Rising Star awards to Alex Gueche and Atif Olberton.
NBHOF President Bill Dempsey Young, Senior Vice President Linda Young, Executive Vice President/Producer Drew Young, and their committee provided a memorable day for the sold-out crowd. The nonprofit organization was also celebrating their 10th Anniversary of hosting these yearly NBHOF inductions. I’ve attended each of their annual events and this year’s installment proved to be their biggest gala yet.
The audience watched vintage film clips, perused boxing memorabilia, checked out the souvenir programs, and shopped for the 2025 NBHOF limited-edition T-shirts and other special merch available in the venue.
Many of the attendees traveled from all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, etc. to be part of this annual tradition–inducting some of boxing’s best. This year’s awardees received trophies, Cleto Reyes gloves, special commemorative certificates and an option to own a 2025 NBHOF ring too.
Joining the inductees and honorees was a large contingent of those who have or are currently working in the fight game including former pro and amateur boxers, past inductees, trainers, cornermen, California State Athletic Commission officials (referees, judges, inspectors, timekeepers, ringside physicians), matchmakers, promoters, authors, historians, filmmakers, artists, sanctioning bodies, city officials, glove manufacturers, T-shirt designers, and more.
There was a powerful lineup of familiar faces and luminaries seated in the banquet hall. Spotted in the venue were Carlos Zarate, Ruben Olivares, John Molina Jr., Freddie Roach, Michael Spinks, Yaqui Lopez, Eduardo Garcia, Fernando Vargas Jr., Amado Vargas, Serhii Bohachuk, Gabe Ruelas, Rafael Ruelas, Abel Sanchez, Mike Weaver, Paul Banke, Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Eva D. Jones-Young, Albert Davila, Art Frias, Greg Puente, Mike Anchondo, Sumya Anani, Joey Olivo, Sindy Amador, Diego Aviles, Richard Torrez Sr., Jesus Haro, Danny Haro, Burney Spencer, Mathew Porcellino, Jill Diamond, Nancy Rodriguez, Antonio Carrillo, Benjamin Rendon, Monique Rendon, Hipolito Perez, Jose Manzur, Steve Harpst, Nars Martinez, Manny Nava, Patrick Ragan, Manny Robles, Ricky Romero, Jack Mosley, Steve DeBro, Thomas Taylor, Jack Reiss, Ray Corona, Ed Collantes, Pat Russell, Jerry Cantu, Dr. Paul Wallace, Fernando Villarreal, Mark Relyea, Rudy Barragan, Chris Smith, Sam Watson, Elvis Grant, Charles Bosecker, Larry Young, the Castineyra Brothers (Rafael, Rodrigo and Ricardo),Anthony Huizar, Florence Anthony, Joe Chavez, Lantz Simpson, Rudy Tellez, Mitch Chuvalo, Stephen Carnegie, City of Azusa Mayor Robert Gonzales, Sonny Shapiro, Mike Serrano, Tina Quarry and so many more!
The guests socialized on the outdoor patio before making their way into the ballroom as the program got underway.
Noted author and boxing historian Gene Aguilera introduced various prizefighters in attendance introduced some of the boxers in attendance as the men and women lined up in front of the 2025 inductees seated on stage. Champ Eva D. Jones-Young took to the mic with her lovely rendition of the National Anthem and there was also the official unveiling of her brand new popcorn line “Sweet Magic Popcorn” as well as an update about her forthcoming documentary (“Sweet Magic”) by Drew Young/Young Dempsey Productions.
There were so many highlights throughout the day as the inductees shined in the spotlight, thanking their families, friends, co-workers and fans as they expressed how much this 2025 NBHOF honor meant to them. As the years fly by, it is gatherings like these they strengthen the bond between the boxers and their fans.
The family of the late great warrior Israel Vazquez went on stage as his wife Laura spoke from the heart while two of their three children (Anthony and Zoe) watched from their seats with the World Boxing Council (WBC) family.
Bill Dempsey Young (the official emcee for the ceremonies) surprised the Garcia family by presenting a trophy to patriarch and legendary boxing trainer Eduardo Garcia alongside his two sons (and 2025 inductees) Robert Garcia and Mikey Garcia. Bill explained that Eduardo was a previous honoree but had never received his award in person.
In another very emotional moment, beloved boxing champion Ricardo “Finito” Lopez told the crowd that for the past few months, he has been fighting cancer and that he is winning the fight! The unbeaten Mexican icon traveled with his two sons to take part in the awards luncheon. His determination remains just as strong as when he laced up in the ring.
Fernando Vargas also had two of his three sons with him (Fernando Jr. and Amado), his wife Martha and their daughter China. Their youngest son Emiliano was in training camp for his fight on the Naoya Inoue-Ramon Cardenas undercard in Las Vegas (he won his bout). The family was very emotional at the podium as “El Feroz” Fernando accepted his accolades. His sons told the audience how much their dad has done for them as all three young men are following in their papa’s footsteps–while carving their own path too. With all three sons fighting as pros, the proud dad hopes to continue to build the “Vargas Dynasty” in the sweet science.
There was also a poignant scene on stage with the legendary Salvador Sanchez remembered with a beautiful robe displayed on stage along with a cool figurine in the late gladiator’s likeness. Author and boxing historian Chris Smith mentioned that Elvis Grant Phillips (Grant Gloves) arranged for Salvador’s younger brother Juventino to travel from Mexico to witness this grand tribute in person.
There were so many memorable moments and moving speeches during the ceremony. The inductees were embraced by the crowd and applauded for all their hard work and sacrifices they’ve made while working in the fight game. The emotions were raw as the tears sometimes flowed along with humorous anecdotes and heartfelt thanks to their loved ones.
The room was united in paying homage to this year’s Class of 2025. And before and after the awards took place, a majority of the ticket holders gathered outside of the patio as they caught up with one another. Several of the spectators told me it was like a “mini reunion” as they ran into people they hadn’t seen in years or even decades! And that it just one of the highlights from award shows like these; the chance to connect again to fellow boxing aficionados.
Fans in attendance were also delighted to meet their heroes up close. There were selfies taken, autographs given and introductions made. It was a knockout day for those joining the Southern California-based NBHOF!
Special thanks to Bill, Linda and Drew Young for having me once again conducting the red-carpet interviews with the inductees. It was an honor.
And a huge congratulations to each of the 2025 inductees, special awardees and rising star winners at this year’s National Boxing Hall of Fame!
Photos by Michele Chong