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Ali and the the First Sugar Ray Top Nevada Hall Class

Published

10 years ago

February 19, 2015

Boxing icons Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson Headline Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame’s Class of 2015

LAS VEGAS, NV (February 19, 2015) — Legendary boxers Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson headline the 21-person 2015 Class of Inductees into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. It is a star-studded cast which includes many of the finest boxers in the sport’s history.

Rich Marotta, the Hall’s founder and chief executive officer, made the announcement Thursday during a news conference at the Roy Jones Jr. Fight Academy in Las Vegas.

Honorees for the third class of Hall of Famers were chosen in four categories: Nevada resident boxers; Non-Nevada resident boxers; Pioneers; and non-boxer participants.

Among the honorees are 11 men who have previously been inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame induction dinner and ceremony will be held in Las Vegas in August at a site to be announced soon. Additional fan events will be held prior to and after the induction ceremony.

“We are very excited about our 2015 Class of Inductees,” Marotta said. “They are among the most glamorous and significant names in boxing history, and all have unmistakable connections to Nevada. We plan to make our induction weekend in August the best ever.”

Nevada-resident boxers (Three elected)

• Roger “The Black Mamba” Mayweather – Mayweather is a former world champion at both super featherweight (130 pounds) and super lightweight (140 pounds) whose 41 fights in Nevada are an NVBHOF record. He scored notable wins in Nevada over Vinnie Pazienza, Livingstone Bramble and Harold Brazier. Mayweather ended his career with a 59-13 record and 35 knockouts. He was also 8-5 in major world title fights. After his fighting days ended, he went on to become one of the sport’s elite trainers and currently trains out of the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas.

• Eddie Mustafa Muhammad – Born Eddie Gregory, Muhammad reigned as light heavyweight champion from March 31, 1980, when he stopped Marvin Johnson in the 11th round, until July 18, 1981, when he lost a 15-round unanimous decision to Michael Spinks. He compiled a 50-8-1 record with 39 knockouts and met all of the great 175-pounders of his era. He is now a highly sought after trainer who works out of the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas.

• Johnny “Mi Vida Loca” Tapia – Tapia won world titles at super flyweight, bantamweight and featherweight and was one of the most popular and exciting fighters of his time. Tapia, who struggled with drug addiction much of his life and died tragically at just 45 years of age in 2012, compiled a 59-5-2 record with 30 knockouts. Ring Magazine named his 1999 bout with Paulie Ayala in Las Vegas as its Fight of the Year. His life was chronicled in an HBO documentary simply called “Tapia”

Non-Nevada resident boxers (Seven elected)

• Muhammad Ali – Without question the most famous boxer ever, Ali was the first man to regain the heavyweight title and the first and still only man to hold the linear heavyweight title on three occasions. He was 56-5 with 37 knockouts in his legendary career, which began in 1960 after he won a gold medal as a light heavyweight at the Rome Olympics. Ali fought seven times in Nevada, going 5-2. He lost to Leon Spinks in a stunning 15-round decision at the then-Las Vegas Hilton in 1978 and then was stopped by Larry Holmes in 1980. He defeated Floyd Patterson, Ron Lyle, Jerry Quarry, Bob Foster and Joe Bugner in Nevada. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

• Sugar Ray Robinson – Widely regarded as the greatest fighter who ever lived, Robinson went 175-19-6 with 106 knockouts in a career that spanned 25 years. The Boxing Writers Association of America named its Fighter of the Year award after him. The Associated Press chose him as Boxer of the Century for the 20th century, as well as its best welterweight and best middleweight of the century. Robinson started his career 40-0 before a loss to Jake La Motta. He then proceeded to go 88-0-2 with a no contest in his next 91 bouts, giving him a stunning mark of 128-1-2. He fought in Nevada twice, losing to Gene Fullmer and Ferd Hernandez. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

• Marvelous Marvin Hagler – Hagler lost two of three fights to open 1976 that dropped his record to 26-2-1. But Hagler proceeded to turn his career around in a big way, reeling off a 36-0-1 streak that gained him recognition as arguably the greatest middleweight who ever lived. Hagler fought seven times in Nevada, including six world title fights. One of those was his third-round stoppage of Thomas Hearns in 1985 that many regard as one of the most exciting fights ever. He also lost a controversial decision to Sugar Ray Leonard in what turned out to be his final fight. He scored memorable wins in Nevada over Hearns, Roberto Duran, John Mugabi and Juan Domingo Roldan. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

• Lennox Lewis – The 1988 Olympic gold medalist lived up to the hype as a professional. He was 41-2-1 with 32 knockouts and avenged each of his defeats. He fought a number of his big fights in Las Vegas and defeated Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman, Oliver McCall and David Tua in world title fights in Nevada. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

• Marco Antonio Barrera – Barrera was 67-6 in his illustrious professional career, but could be a member of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame for three fights alone: His legendary trilogy with Erik Morales. They were three of the greatest matches ever and all were held in Las Vegas. Barrera won two of the three, including the 2004 bout that was named Fight of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America. Barrera also defeated Prince Naseem Hamed and Kevin Kelley in Las Vegas and suffered a loss to Manny Pacquiao.

• Felix “Tito” Trinidad – The big-punching Trinidad was 42-3 with 35 knockouts and participated in 10 world championship bouts in Las Vegas. His 1999 decision over Oscar De La Hoya was the best-selling non-heavyweight pay-per-view to that point, drawing 1.4 million sales. He also had a sensational slugfest win over Fernando Vargas in 2000, and had an impressive victory outdoors at Caesars Palace over David Reid. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

• Gene Fullmer – Fullmer fought Sugar Ray Robinson four times, going 2-1-1 in what were all world middleweight title bouts. He was 55-6-3 with 24 knockouts in his career. He was 2-0-1 in Nevada fights, all of which were for the middleweight title. He defeated Robinson and Benny Paret and drew with Dick Tiger. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Pioneer category (Five elected)

• James J. Corbett – Corbett was 14-4-3 with three no contests but had a rich boxing history in Nevada. Known as “Gentleman Jim,” Corbett fought in the first world title fight in Nevada when he was beaten in 1897 by Bob Fitzsimmons in Carson City. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

• Bob Fitzsimmons – Fitzsimmons became the first former middleweight champion to become heavyweight champion when he knocked out James J. Corbett in the 14th round in Carson City, Nev., on March 17, 1897. Fitzsimmons was 68-8-4 with 59 knockouts and 19 no contests. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

• Jack Johnson – Johnson retained the heavyweight title when he knocked out Jim Jeffries in the 15th round of a scheduled 45-rounder in Reno on July 4, 1910. Johnson became the first African American man to hold the world heavyweight title and he faced great racism. He often had to battle a so-called “Great White Hope.” Jeffries, the former champion, came out of retirement to fight Johnson in a bout that was dubbed “The Fight of the Century.” He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

• Joe Gans – Gans became the first African American boxer to win a world title when he claimed the lightweight title in 1906. He fought twice in Nevada, defeating Battling Nelson in Goldfield, Nev., in 1906 and stopping Kid Herman in Tonopah in 1907. He was 158-12-20 with 100 knockouts and six no contests. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

• Tex Rickard – Born George Lewis Rickard, Tex became the best-known boxing promoter in the first half of the 20th century. Rickard promoted heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey and in five fights together between 1921 and 1927, they grossed $8.4 million. Adjusted for inflation, that would be $114 million in 2014. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Non-boxer participants (Six elected)

• Lee Samuels – A former writer for the Philadelphia Bulletin, Lee Samuels became known as the best publicist in boxing when he was hired by Bob Arum. One of boxing’s good guys who has won multiple awards from the Boxing Writers Association of America, Samuels was always devoted to Arum, Top Rank and the company’s fighters. He was known for his detailed media notes and tirelessly spreading the word about boxing.

• Pat & Dawn Barry – The husband-and-wife duo are significant players in the amateur boxing business in Nevada and have helped thousands of kids by getting them started in the state’s amateur program. Their Las Vegas-based gym, Barry’s Boxing, is a place where many of the sport’s stars got their start and where numerous amateur tournaments are held. Among the many boxers that the Barrys developed are Augie Sanchez, Diego Magdaleno and Jesus Magdaleno.

• Steve Sneddon – The long-time boxing writer for the Reno Gazette-Journal, Sneddon was among the finest journalists in the country for decades. He traveled the world reporting on fights for the Gannett News Service and was ringside for many of the sport’s biggest events. He was known and respected by all of the major fighters for his honesty, accuracy and compelling writing on the sweet science.

• Dr. Donald Romeo – Romeo was the ringside physician for more than 10,000 in an era where the weigh-in was on the day of the fight. He had tremendous responsibilities but always looked out for the fighters’ best interests and was willing to pull a fighter from a card for health reasons no matter who objected. He was the doctor for the 1984 U.S. Olympic team and worked many major fights, including Muhammad Ali-Floyd Patterson.

• Chuck Hull – A classy, well-dressed man who was known for wearing a tuxedo into the ring, Hull is regarded as one of the great ring announcers in the sport’s history. A sportscaster at KLAS-TV, Channel 8, Hull announced most of the major fights in Las Vegas in the 1980s, including Larry Holmes-Gerry Cooney, Sugar Ray Leonard-Thomas Hearns and Muhammad Ali-Holmes. He also was the ring announcer for the boxing matches at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

• Dr. Robert Voy – One of the most respected ringside physicians in the sport’s history, Voy was a fierce advocate for fighter safety and was heavily involved in the anti-doping movement. He was the chief medical officer for the U.S. Olympic Committee and served as the president of USA Boxing. He was known for treating many of the sport’s biggest stars, often for free when they were unable to pay.

Established in 2013, the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame is a 501 (c) (3) IRS tax-exempt corporation committed to helping boxing-related causes. In keeping with its mission, the NVBHOF will award its donations to several groups, organizations, clubs and schools working hard to promote the positive aspects of boxing. All donations, raffles, and ticket purchases to NVBHOF events are tax-deductible. To donate, please go to www.nvbhof.com/donate. For more information on the Hall of Fame, the induction ceremony or the Hall’s mission, phone 702-368-2463 or visit its website at http://nvbhof.com.

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Three Punch Combo: What’s in the Cards for Spence, Kell Brook, and Cotto?

Published

7 years ago

May 28, 2017

Matt Andrzejewski

THREE PUNCH COMBO: Errol Spence Jr. scored an impressive knockout victory against Kell Brook on Saturday to take Brook’s IBF welterweight title. Both fighters now face interesting possibilities as they move forward in their respective careers.

Spence, who entered the fight with a lot of questions, not only showcased his tremendous skills but proved he has a very good chin as well as the willingness to dig deep when needed. He is without a doubt a future superstar in this sport. With momentum strong right now, he would be wise to be as active as possible even if not landing one of the big names his next time out.

I sense that Spence’s advisor, Al Haymon, will in fact get him back in the ring this summer. One name I would speculate as an opponent is Adrian Granados. Coming off a debatable loss to Adrien Broner, Granados has earned another shot at a top fighter. Granados is not a big puncher, but will put forth a good effort. The translation here is that he is someone that can be sold to the public as an opponent for Spence while bigger names are lined up, and also someone against whom Spence can in all likelihood look impressive once again.

After a summer tilt, I would expect to see Spence back in action towards the end of the year in a more substantial fight. Keith Thurman will still be on the mend at this point, recovering from elbow surgery, so that fight is out until next year. But Haymon has plenty of other welterweights and one that I suspect he steers toward Spence will be Lamont Peterson. Peterson is a name and has a belt. He also has a stated desire to want one of the big names next along with the payday that it would command. With Thurman out, this would seem the likely immediate path for Spence as such a fight would draw plenty of attention and be easy to sell.

As for Brook, he is going to need an extensive rest before restarting his career. He suffered a beating as well as an eye injury in September against Gennady Golovkin and then suffered another beating as well as injuring his other eye against Spence. After a rest, expect to see a tune- up bout followed by a massive fight in the UK against Amir Khan. The Khan fight has always been big and one of the reasons it has not been made is that it could frankly be made anytime with it still being a very significant event. Considering where both fighters are presently in their respective careers, the timing seems right for it to happen sooner rather than later. They both get a big payday and the winner gets well positioned for another big payday in what is a loaded territory at welterweight and junior middleweight.

Errol Spence Jr. and Kell Brook gave us a great fight on Saturday. While their career paths will head in different directions, expect to see both involved in big events once again down the road.

Miguel Cotto’s Future

Miguel Cotto announced this week that he would be returning to the ring on August 26^th to face Japanese brawler Yoshihiro Kamegai for the vacant WBO junior middleweight championship. Cotto, who split from his promoter Roc Nation last week, will work with Golden Boy Promotions for this fight which will be televised by HBO.

This is an interesting development in the career of Cotto. Reportedly HBO had not been interested in televising the proposed Kamegai fight unless it received assurances from Cotto that it would lead to a bigger fight to be televised by the network. Also, Golden Boy’s involvement in the promotion signals that they could be involved in Cotto’s future. Obviously, this would mean the opponent for a big fight for Cotto would come from under the Golden Boy banner.

The obvious choice for Cotto’s big fight opponent is David Lemieux. Lemieux has been chasing a fight with Canelo Alvarez. However, with Alvarez deciding to go after Gennady Golovkin, Lemieux gets left on the outside looking in. In need of a big fight for Lemieux, Golden Boy saw an opportunity with Cotto having been previously negotiating the Kamegai fight with Roc Nation. A fight between Cotto and Lemieux makes sense for both as Cotto wants a name who isn’t a slick boxer and Lemieux wants a big fight with the payday it commands as well as the opportunity to put a signature win on his resume to bolster his future ambitions.

But I also think Golden Boy has another potential plan for Cotto. Golden Boy’s main cash cow, Canelo Alvarez, is in a high risk, high reward fight with Golovkin in September. There is no rematch clause if Alvarez wins and, of course, a win by Alvarez cements him as a mega star in the sport. He will be eyeing a return in May 2018 during Cinco de Mayo weekend. With momentum behind him, Alvarez would be wise to seek a name opponent to further boost the event. A rematch with Cotto would not only do huge business but keep the momentum going. For Cotto, it would be a chance to avenge the loss from 2015 to Alvarez and give him one massive payday as his career nears a conclusion.

Miguel Cotto is determined to close his career out with something big and it appears likely he will get his wish.

Kudos to Golden Boy

When Golden Boy announced its new series on ESPN this winter, I was cautiously optimistic in the fights they would produce. I must say that the matchmaking thus far on this series has been superb and is getting even better with some recently announced cards. These are the types of televised shows the sport needs to generate some badly needed positive buzz.

On June 17^th, Pablo Cesar Cano takes on Fidel Maldonado in a junior welterweight contest. This fight is not only very evenly matched but can’t be anything except a slugfest given the styles of the two fighters. Cano is a high pressure fighter who is willing to exchange to get his own punches home. Maldonado has the ability to box, but often gets drawn willingly into wars. In 2015, he had a back and forth shootout with Amir Iman in a fight that got some talk in fight of the year chatter. As a matter of fact, round three was probably round of the year that year. Maldonado has a tendency to fire back when he gets hit and with Cano’s style Maldonado is going to get hit a lot. This one is guaranteed action and a perfect fight for television.

About two weeks later, Golden Boy returns with another ESPN card featuring a high stakes junior featherweight contest between Randy Caballero and Oscar Negrete. Caballero is an undefeated former bantamweight belt holder and is a very skilled boxer puncher. Negrete, also undefeated, has shown much improvement inside the ring in his last few contests. The styles of these two should mix well to provide an entertaining fight. It is also evenly matched, and with so much at stake we should see the best of both men inside the ring.

One point I harp on a lot is the importance of good matchmaking, especially in televised fights. Golden Boy is doing an excellent job so far with their new ESPN series providing high quality, well-matched fights. The boxing public is taking notice and Golden Boy deserves much praise in delivering excellent events for the fans.

Check out more boxing news on video at The Boxing Channel.

IBF welterweight title

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George Foreman Youth Center in Houston Hosts Amateur Event

Published

8 years ago

October 10, 2016

The Sweet Science

George Foreman Youth Center – -Starting with the ring of the bell on October 22nd, local area boxers will be fighting for a spot to represent the Gulf Coast Region at the USA Boxing National Championships & in International Travel.

Weight categories will include: Pee Wee 8-9, Bantam 10-11, Intermediate 12-13, Juniors 14-15, Youth 15-16, & Elite 18-40 in both Open and Novice divisions. Winners will represent the Gulf area at the 2016 USA Boxing Elite, Youth and Junior National Championships to be held in Kansas City Missouri December 4-10, 2016. This tournament is a sanctioned event through USA Boxing the National Governing Body of Amateur Boxing and is a feeder to National and Olympic recognition.

The George Foreman Youth and Community Center was founded 32 years ago in 1984 by Olympic Gold Medalist and 2-time heavy weight champion George Foreman. The GFYCC is dedicated to providing a safe and secure location for youth to participate in sports and after school activities.

“This year for the first time in Houston boxing history, we are developing an elite international youth boxing team,” said George Foreman, IV. “The team will be selected for the sole purpose of training and traveling to other countries to gain experience on an international platform and promote cultural diplomacy! Utilizing grant and donor funding this team will be representing the George Foreman Youth and Community Center and will be announced Saturday October 22, at the Gulf Region’s Boxing Championship. The team will be reviewed by my father, 1968 Olympic Gold Medalist and 2-Time Heavyweight Champion, George Foreman Sr. The first international trip for this new Houston team is scheduled for Jan. 2017.”

Doors open for the Gulf Gloves Championships on Saturday October 22nd at 11:00 am with announcements and the presentation of the colors by the United States Army Houston Recruiting Command Baytown Beaumont Company at 12:45 pm. The national anthem will be performed by the internationally acclaimed Houston Brass Quintet! Boxing will begin at 1:00 pm. Championship finals will begin at 1:00 pm on Sunday October 23rd.

Media open workouts for Houston amateur standout boxers will be held Wednesday October 19th at the George Foreman Youth and Community Center at 2202 Lone Oak Road Houston, Texas 77093 at 4:00 pm.

Confirmed attendees for interviews will be:

George Edward Foreman IV: Son of 2 Time Heavy Weight Champion, President of Foreman Public Relations

Marlen Esparza: 2012 Olympic Games Bronze Medalist, 2014 Amateur World Champion, 2006 & 2016 Amateur World Championships Bronze Medalist, Nine-Time USA Boxing National Champion.

Rocky Juarez: 2000 Olympic Games Silver Medalist, 1999 Amateur World Champion, WBC Silver Featherweight World Champion.

Raul Marquez: 1988 Amateur World Championships Bronze Medalist, 1992 Olympic Games Quarter-finalist, IBF Light Middleweight World Champion.

Frank Tate: 1984 Olympic Games Gold Medalist, IBF Middleweight World Champion, NABF Light Heavyweight Champion.

Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz: WBA Lightweight World Champion, WBO Lightweight World Champion, WBA Super-Lightweight World Champion, IBF Lightweight World Champion.

“Sweet” Reggie Johnson: WBA Middleweight World Champion, IBF Light Heavyweight World Champion.

In addition to many Houston area professional boxers and Gulf Boxing Association alumni. Event is sanctioned by USA Boxing – Gulf LBC: 16-25-14268

George Foreman Youth Center / Check out more boxing news and videos at The Boxing Channel.

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Michelle Corrales-Lewis Named New CEO of NV Boxing Hall of Fame

Published

8 years ago

October 5, 2016

Miguel Iturrate

LAS VEGAS, NV (October 5, 2016) – The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (NVBHOF) a non-profit charitable organization which donates to boxing-related causes, is happy to announce Michelle Corrales-Lewis as its new CEO/President. Respected boxing announcer, Rich Marotta, who founded the NVBHOF in 2012, steps down after devoting years of his life to get the organization off the ground.

With a number of boxing greats already inducted, which include world champion fighters, judges, coaches and promoters, the NVBHOF has rapidly established itself as prestigious group not only here in Las Vegas, but around the world. The NVBHOF has multiple fundraising events throughout the year, helping local boxing organizations fulfill their goals to keep boxing alive within the community.

“I took this organization as far as I could and I’m very comfortable where it is at today,” said Rich Marotta. “Michelle is on the scene in Las Vegas, has a myriad of contacts, both in business and with the boxing community, especially the fighters, and is more than ready to completely run the company. She is incredibly capable and has been an indefatigable agent for growth of the NVBHOF the past three years, taking on additional responsibilities each and every year. It brings me great pleasure to announce her as the new CEO of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.”

After serving as the NVBHOF Chief Operating Officer for many years, Michelle Corrales-Lewis, is thrilled at her new position within the organization.

“It’s an honor to be chosen as the new CEO of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame,” said Michelle Corrales-Lewis, widow of former multiple world champion and 2013 NVBHOF inductee, Diego Corrales. “Rich Marotta did a fantastic job building the organization from ground up. His immense work ethic is a great example of how I plan to continue the vision he set forth. My goal is to find a home for the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, one where fans from all around the world can visit on regular basis. The boxing community is filled with wonderful people that we will honor as inductees each year. I’m truly grateful for the wonderful opportunity that has been presented to me by my dear friend Rich Marotta.”

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