As the sun was going down on Saturday in Montebello California, the stars of boxing were out in their dozens to celebrate and exchange stories from days gone by.
(Photo credit: Gary Todd)
Legendary fighters, Evander Holyfield, James Toney, Manuel Medina, Michael Spinks, and Shane Mosley were there, looking happy and healthy as they signed autographs and took photos all night long at the Quiet Cannon function hall.
The scene was set and the excitement of the occasion was building for what was to come the next day. Reggie Johnson and Carlos Palomino joined in along with world-class corner men Sonny Shapiro, Nars Martinez, and Stitch Duran, telling stories and shining as bright as the starry sky above.
With Sunday morning church bells ringing in the background, the red carpet was welcoming the fighters to the Grand Ballroom for the induction ceremony and a sold out crowd of boxing friends, fans, and family were pouring through the doors in anticipation of seeing their idols accepting their accolades for their years in the ring.
Ruben Olivares, Danny Lopez, Mike Weaver, and the Weaver brothers, Troy, Floyd, and Lloyd, and women’s 3 time champion of the world, Eva D. Jones Young were suited and booted and Victor Ortiz , James Toney, Carlos Zarate, and Marco Antonio Barrera were also in attendance.
As the people were seated, the house band were playing until NBHOF president, Bill Dempsey Young and his wife Linda started the celebrations, acknowledging the crowd and the boxers in attendance, along with the international guests who had traveled from Japan, the UK, and Australia.
Oscar De La Hoya made a short appearance to start the induction ceremony with Zarate and Olivares being recognised as Mexican legends , along with Medina and Barrera.
Women’s world champions Sumya Anani and middleweight world champion Reggie Johnson gave emotional speeches, telling their struggles in the sport they loved to bring the house down and a close to a fantastic event.
In one of the highlights of the day, Micky Ward was honored along with his friend and foe, the late Arturo Gatti. Arturo’s daughter joined hands and embraced Ward before giving a heartfelt speech about her father.
It was exciting, inspirational, and an emotional Hall of Fame to remember for years to come. The Young’s know how to bring people together and they put on one hell of a show for the boxing fans.
Gary Todd has been involved in all aspects of the sport of boxing for over 30 years, and he is an international best-selling author with his books on boxing. Check out his latest, ‘ Annie’s Boy’ at garytodd.org
Gary Todd
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