(July 30th) The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (NVBHOF) will celebrate the rich legacy of boxing in the Silver State during its 14th Annual Induction Gala Weekend, set for Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15, at the historic The Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The two-day celebration will honor the Classes of 2025 and 2026 in a special double-induction ceremony, bringing together world champions, Hall of Fame inductees, industry leaders, media members and boxing fans from around the globe for one of the sport's premier annual gatherings.

Founded in 2012 by veteran sports broadcaster Rich Marotta, with its inaugural induction ceremony held in 2013, the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting and celebrating Nevada's unparalleled boxing heritage while recognizing the athletes and contributors whose accomplishments have helped establish Las Vegas as the Fight Capital of the World. In addition to honoring excellence in the sport, the organization supports charitable initiatives throughout the community.

"This weekend is about honoring the men and women whose dedication built boxing's legacy while giving fans the rare opportunity to meet the champions and personalities who made history," said Executive Director Michelle Corrales-Lewis. "The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving, promoting and celebrating the best of boxing history. We also seek to recognize those behind the scenes whose work strengthens the sport and helps ensure its future."

The 14th Annual Induction Gala Weekend is particularly historic as it honors two induction classes simultaneously, recognizing an extraordinary collection of world champions, boxing pioneers, industry leaders and influential contributors whose accomplishments have helped shape Nevada's reputation as the global home of championship boxing.

The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2025 showcases an outstanding group of world champions and boxing contributors whose careers have left an enduring mark on the sport in Nevada and around the world.

Leading the class is Laura Serrano, one of the true pioneers of women's boxing. The accomplished Mexican champion helped pave the way for future generations when she battled Christy Martin to a historic draw at the MGM Grand in 1994, one of the landmark moments in women's boxing. After relocating to Nevada, Serrano competed six times in Las Vegas, captured multiple world championships and became a tireless advocate for equality and opportunity in the sport.

Joining her is former light heavyweight and cruiserweight world champion Antonio "Magic Man" Tarver, a 1996 Olympic bronze medalist whose exceptional ring intelligence and counterpunching skills earned him WBC, WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine championships. Tarver competed five times in Las Vegas, highlighted by his unforgettable second-round knockout of Roy Jones Jr. at Mandalay Bay—one of boxing's defining moments of the 2000s.

Former two-division world champion Paulie Ayala, the 1999 Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year, built his reputation through heart, determination and technical brilliance. Ayala fought ten times in Nevada, including his unforgettable Fight of the Year victory over Johnny Tapia and memorable championship contests against Erik Morales and Nestor López, establishing himself among the finest bantamweights of his generation.

Four-division world champion Mikey Garcia earned worldwide recognition for his exceptional timing, precision and ring IQ. A member of the renowned Garcia boxing family, Garcia fought eight times in Las Vegas, defeating elite opponents including Orlando Salido, Adrien Broner and Jessie Vargas while becoming one of the most technically gifted fighters of his era.

Colorful former unified world champion Jorge "El Maromero" Páez thrilled fans throughout his career with his flamboyant personality, acrobatic ring entrances and action-packed fighting style. Known as the "Clown Prince of Boxing," Páez competed 16 times in Nevada, sharing the ring with legends including Oscar De La Hoya and Pernell Whitaker while building a championship résumé highlighted by victories over Troy Dorsey and Louie Espinoza.

British superstar Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton joins the Class of 2025 after becoming one of boxing's biggest international attractions during the 2000s. A two-division world champion, Hatton's memorable victory over Kostya Tszyu established him among boxing's elite, while his loyal fan base famously transformed Las Vegas into "Little Manchester" during his blockbuster fights against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, creating some of the city's most unforgettable fight-week atmospheres.

Completing the Class of 2025 is legendary Top Rank matchmaker Brad Goodman, whose remarkable eye for talent and unmatched matchmaking expertise helped shape the careers of countless world champions. Widely respected throughout the sport, Goodman has spent decades behind the scenes helping build championship events and develop many of boxing's biggest stars.

The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2026 features another distinguished group whose accomplishments have helped define modern boxing.

Las Vegas native Jessie Vargas proudly represents his hometown as a two-division world champion who captured titles at junior welterweight and welterweight. Throughout his career, Vargas consistently challenged boxing's elite while becoming one of Nevada's most accomplished homegrown champions.

Former unified middleweight king Gennady "GGG" Golovkin established himself as one of the greatest middleweights of his generation through devastating punching power, relentless pressure and an iron chin. His unforgettable trilogy against Canelo Álvarez, staged entirely in Nevada, stands among the most significant rivalries in middleweight history.

Former WBA super welterweight champion and 1992 U.S. Olympian Raúl Márquez enjoyed an accomplished championship career before becoming one of boxing's most respected Spanish-language television analysts, continuing to influence the sport through his insight and expertise.

Argentine fan favorite Marcos "Chino" Maidana became renowned for his relentless aggression, punching power and fearless approach against elite competition. His memorable victory over Adrien Broner and thrilling championship battles with Floyd Mayweather Jr. cemented his reputation as one of boxing's most exciting and dangerous fighters.

Heavyweight contender Gerry Cooney remains one of boxing's most recognizable figures thanks to his thunderous left hook and his historic 1982 championship showdown with Larry Holmes at Caesars Palace, one of the landmark heavyweight events in Nevada boxing history.

Completing the Class of 2026 is celebrated boxing artist Richard Slone, whose acclaimed paintings have immortalized many of the sport's greatest champions and defining moments. As the official artist of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, Slone's work has preserved boxing's rich history through art, making him one of the sport's most influential visual storytellers.

Adding another historic element to the weekend, the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame will present its inaugural Special Recognition Awards, honoring individuals whose dedication and service have significantly impacted boxing both inside and outside the ring. This year's recipients include Bill "Uncle Bill" Caplan, recipient of the "Uncle Bill" Award; Martha Vargas, recipient of the Yo Adrian Award; veteran Nevada judge Dave Moretti, recipient of the Marc of Distinction Award; renowned strength and conditioning Coach Larry Wade, recipient of the President's Pillar of Excellence Award; and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), recipient of the Trailblazer Award. The awards recognize trainers, judges, referees, families, advocates and other contributors whose commitment has helped elevate the sport.

The festivities begin on Thursday evening with a private welcome reception for inductees, sponsors and invited guests before opening to the public on Friday, August 14. The day begins with the popular Meet & Greet Fan Experience from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., offering fans autograph and photo opportunities with Hall of Famers, former world champions and current stars, along with boxing memorabilia vendors and interactive experiences. It is one of the weekend's signature attractions, providing rare face-to-face access to many of boxing's most celebrated personalities.

Friday evening continues with the Legends Bowl: Celebrity Bowling Tournament from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., where fans can bowl alongside boxing champions, Hall of Famers and celebrity guests in a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere. An Amateur Boxing Showdown, featuring many of the region's rising prospects, is also scheduled during the weekend, showcasing the next generation of boxing talent.

Activities continue on Saturday, August 15, with the Amateur Boxing Tournament, further highlighting amateur standouts before the weekend culminates with the prestigious 14th Annual Induction Gala Ceremony & Dinner, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The elegant black-tie celebration features a red-carpet reception, cocktail hour, silent auction, gourmet four-course dinner, commemorative gala program, special video tributes, speeches and the formal induction of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame Classes of 2025 and 2026.

Hosted at The Orleans Hotel & Casino, a venue with a rich championship boxing tradition, the gala continues a longstanding Las Vegas tradition of honoring the sport where so many unforgettable moments have taken place. Throughout its history, the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame has welcomed legendary figures including Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Thomas Hearns, Bernard Hopkins, Fernando Vargas, Terence Crawford and countless other iconic champions and boxing personalities.

This year's gala is especially significant as it marks the first double-induction ceremony in Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame history, honoring both the Classes of 2025 and 2026 during one memorable weekend. The celebration brings together Hall of Fame legends, current champions, promoters, trainers, officials, media members and boxing fans while offering unparalleled opportunities for interaction through the Meet & Greet Fan Experience, Legends Bowl, amateur boxing showcases and the gala itself.

Tickets are available for the Meet & Greet Fan Experience, Legends Bowl: Celebrity Bowling Tournament, Induction Gala Ceremony & Dinner, All-Access Weekend Passes, reserved tables and sponsorship opportunities through www.nvbhof.com/gala and Eventbrite. Special discounted room rates at The Orleans Hotel & Casino are available through the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame's official hotel booking link. All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.

As boxing's past, present and future converge once again in the Fight Capital of the World, the 14th Annual Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Gala Weekend promises to be one of the sport's premier annual celebrations—honoring the champions, pioneers, visionaries and contributors whose achievements continue to shape boxing's enduring legacy while inspiring future generations.