LAS VEGAS, NV. (July 28, 2015) — Rich Marotta, the president and CEO of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, announced Tuesday that legendary champion Sugar Ray Leonard has confirmed his attendance at the third annual induction gala on Saturday, August 8, at Caesars Palace.

Leonard, a 1976 Olympic gold medalist, was a member of the inaugural class of NVBHOF inductees in 2013 and last year presented his one-time rival Roberto Duran for his induction.

He scored the biggest wins of his career at Caesars Palace, defeating both Thomas Hearns and Marvelous Marvin Hagler at Las Vegas’ “Home of Champions.”

Marotta said that Leonard will present the Hall’s annual Fighter of the Year award to pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr.

“I’m very excited to announce that Ray will join us for the third consecutive year and that he’s agreed to present Floyd with his Fighter of the Year honor,” Marotta said.
“Ray has long been one of the sport’s most popular figures and I know fans are going to be excited to see him again.”

Leonard, whose legendary career included world championships at welterweight, super welterweight, middleweight, super middleweight and light heavyweight, is currently serving as the boxing analyst for NBC’s broadcasts of the Premier Boxing Champions series.

Most of boxing’s greatest stars have played at Caesars, and a number of the biggest have confirmed they will attend the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame’s induction gala dinner on August 8.

In addition to Leonard and Mayweather, other superstars who are committed to attend are 2015 inductees Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Lennox Lewis, Felix Trinidad, Marco Antonio Barrera, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad and Roger Mayweather.

Remaining Tickets for the August 8 induction ceremony are $300, $175 and $75 and are fully tax deductible, as the NVBHOF is an IRS 501 (c)3 charity. They can be purchased online at the Hall’s website, nvbhof.com.

The Hall was founded in 2013 by Marotta, a noted boxing broadcaster. Its chief operating officer is Michelle Corrales-Lewis, whose late husband, Diego Corrales, was an inaugural inductee into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.

For more information, phone 702-3-NVBHOF, or 702-368-2463

New York, April 7—Mike Tyson hasn’t been in the ring in nearly a decade, but his popularity hasn’t waned. You would have thought that he had a championship fight on the horizon when 700 fans of the “Sweet Science” flocked to meet the former heavyweight champ at the Steiner Store on Saturday (April 5) in Garden City on Long Island. It took 12 security guards to escort “Iron Mike” from the signing because a massive crowd had gathered in Roosevelt Field Mall. The Tyson fans paid from $149 for a photo op to $2,000 for a VIP package with all five former champs.

Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson II (June 28, 1997) and Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Roberto Duran II (November 25, 1980) produced two of the most bizarre finishes in the history of boxing. The headlines blared “Tyson bites Holyfield,” and “No Mas.” Steiner Sports presented boxing aficionados the chance to meet these boxing legends, along with Thomas “Hitman” Hearns, at the ticketed event. The Tyson fans paid from $149 for a photo op to $2,000 for a VIP package with all five former champs.

Tyson quipped that Steiner needed to put a fan in between he and Holyfield so that another brawl wouldn’t ensue similar to their heyday battles, but both former kingpins were all smiles during the many photo ops. Duran hugged just about everyone there, including Holyfield upon his arrival.

Holyfield and Tyson renewed their late nineties heavyweight rivalry. The duo had engaged in a pair of epics at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. In the first on November 9, 1996 Holyfield outmuscled Tyson to score one of the most monumental upsets in boxing history. Holyfield became the first heavyweight since Muhammad Ali to regain the heavyweight title twice. The rematch was one of boxing’s most bizarre encounters on June 28, 1997, and saw Tyson bite off a piece of Holyfield’s ear to be disqualified by referee Mills Lane.

Like Holyfield and Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran battled in one of the most famous championship fights in boxing history. After Duran took the title from Leonard in a unanimous decision on June 20, 1980 in Montreal, a rematch was inevitable. Just five months later, on November 25 in New Orleans, Duran said “No Mas” and Leonard regained the belt. It gained its famous moniker at the end of the eighth round when Durán turned away from Leonard, towards the referee and quit by saying “No más.” To this day, Duran says that stomach cramps. Leonard was the winner by a technical knockout at 2:44 of Round 8, regaining the WBC Welterweight Championship.
Nine years later, Leonard again beat Duran in their third match up by unanimous decision on December 12, 1989, in a fight that didn’t have nearly the hoopla of the first two.

Leonard and Thomas “Hitman” Hearns likewise had classic encounters. They fought twice, once in 1981 and again in 1989, both are considered to be epics, both at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. In their first encounter on September 16, 1981, for the undisputed Welterweight championship, Leonard beat Hearns by TKO at 1:45 in the 14th round when the referee stopped the fight.

After almost eight years, the Leonard-Hearns rematch finally happened. It was promoted as “The War”. Leonard (35-1 with 25 KOs) and Hearns (46-3 with 38 KOs) met on June 12, 1989 at Caesar’s Palace in a scheduled twelve-rounder for the WBC & WBO super-middleweight titles. Though Hearns had Leonard on the canvas twice, the judges scored the fight a draw, with both boxers retaining their respective titles. The decision was soundly booed, as most felt that Hearns had won.

Hearns and Duran fought only once for the WBO Super Welterweight championship. That was a dominating performance by the Hitman, who dropped Duran twice in the first round. After nailing Duran with a devastating right to the jaw in the second round, Hearns stepped back and Duran fell face first to the canvas. The fight was over.

LAS VEGAS, NEV (November 18, 2013) — Boxing’s royalty will be in Las Vegas this week talking about the historic 12-round welterweight showdown between Fighter of the Decade MANNY PACQUIAO and former world champion BRANDON RIOS. Broadcasting throughout the day Live from the Palazzo Waterfall Atrium inside The Palazzo Las Vegas — sister property of the The Venetian Macao, the resort site hosting Pacquiao vs. Rios — Thursday, November 21 and Friday, November 22, 13 national and regional radio shows will be interviewing a boxing’s Who’s Who — in-person, including Hall of Famers George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Pacquiao rivals Marco Antonio Barrera and Timothy Bradley, Rios’ professional nemesis Mike Alvarado, and former world champion Ray Mancini.

The appearance schedule is as follows:

Thursday, November 21
· Timothy Bradley, undefeated two-division world champion who dethroned Pacquiao last year to claim his WBO welterweight title. Claimed his first world title in England, dethroning WBC super lightweight champion and hometown favorite Junior Witter.
· Marco Antonio Barrera, former three-division world champion who fought the majority of his fights outside his native Mexico, including two fights with Pacquiao.
· Mike Alvarado, the former WBO jr. lightweight champion who is 1-1 against Rios.

Friday, November 22
· George Foreman, former two-time heavyweight champion. Fought all his world title fights outside the U.S. during his first title reign.
· Sugar Ray Leonard, former five-division world champion who had one fight outside the U.S. — against Roberto Duran in Montreal — where he lost a unanimous decision — and his welterweight title to Duran.
· Roberto Duran, former four-division world champion who fought the majority of his major fights outside his native Panama.
· Ray Mancini, former lightweight champion who fought outside the U.S. once, in Italy, winning a narrow decision to retain his title.

“While the fight takes place in China, we want U.S. fight fans to be treated to the same real time experience they enjoy for all pay-per-view mega-fights,” said Mark Taffet of HBO Pay-Per-View. “With the star-studded group of fighters, the breadth of the radio stations broadcasting live, and the television and print interviews which emanate from Las Vegas, we will be able to provide a constant flow of news, information and entertainment which U.S. boxing fans can engage on their time. Additionally, the press conference and weigh-in from Macau will take place live at times which are convenient for the U.S. audience; and of course the live fight telecast on Saturday night November 23rd will take place at the usual time of 9 pm ET/6 pm PT.”

The seven boxing superstars will be discussing their experiences — the victories and the losses — when they fought on foreign soil as well as their analysis of the upcoming Pacquiao-Rios battle. Both Barrera and Bradley have first-hand knowledge of what Rios should expect from Pacquiao and what Rios will need to do to have his hand raised in victory in just five days. The same is true for Alvarado, who has tangled with Rios in two Fights of the Year. .

Promoted by Top Rank® and Sands China Ltd., in association with MP Promotions, Tecate, Warner Bros. Pictures “Grudge Match,” and Eva Airlines, Pacquiao vs. Rios will take place Saturday, November 23, at The Venetian® Macao’s CotaiArena™. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

For Pacquiao, this marks the pound-for-pound box office monarch’s first fight outside the U.S. since his 12-round super featherweight unanimous decision victory over former world champion Oscar Larios in 2006, which took place in the Philippines. Rios, one of boxing’s most exciting fighters, has only fought outside the U.S. twice, in México, winning a 10-round split decision over Ricardo Dominguez and knocking out Daniel Valenzuela in the second round in 2008 and 2009, respectively. .

HBO Sports’ groundbreaking “24/7” reality franchise, which has captured 17 Sports Emmy® Awards, is providing an all-access pass to Pacquiao vs. Rios. The final episode of “24/7: Pacquiao/Rios” debuts Thursday, Nov. 21 (10:00 p.m.), just two days before the welterweight showdown.

The Venetian and The Palazzo will be the only resorts in Las Vegas to offer the live closed-circuit broadcast of Pacquiao vs. Rios. The bout will be available for viewing inside The Venetian Ballroom and at Lagasse’s Stadium. Doors open at 5 p.m., undercard fights begin at 6 p.m. Tickets for The Venetian Ballroom are $50. Food and beverage minimums apply for Lagasse’s Stadium. Tickets: 702-414-9000.

Las Vegas residents will still be able to order the live HBO Pay-per-View telecast in their homes.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, and twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #PacRios to join the conversation on Twitter.

NEW YORK – No Más, a documentary by Emmy award-winning director Eric Drath, is set to premiere on ESPN Tomorrow! Tuesday, October 15, at 8 P.M. ET. As part of the Peabody award-winning ESPN 30 for 30 series, the film chronicles the events surrounding the legendary 1980 boxing match between Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran. This fight proved to be a career crossroads for two of boxing’s biggest stars and delivered a memorable phrase that has taken on a life of its own.

Billed as the rematch of the century after a thrilling title bout only five months earlier, fans across the world expected an unforgettable showdown, but no one could have foreseen the result. No Más examines the impact of two words and how it shaped the legacies of both fighters in the midst of a contemporary golden age for the sport. The film reunites both fighters present-day in order to achieve final closure for one of the most shocking moments in boxing history.

Viewers follow Sugar Ray Leonard as he embarks on a personal journey to Panama to confront his old nemesis once and for all. As we relive Leonard and Duran’s two epic 1980 bouts, we listen to interviews from both fighters’ camps, their families, and celebrities with the likes of Christie Brinkley, Mike Tyson, and Showtime’s Steve Farhood.

No Más unveils for the first time what really happened as Drath takes viewers behind the scenes of these two fights. This 77-minute documentary relives the glory of their fights and revives their iconic rivalry for a new generation. His first documentary feature, Assault in the Ring, aired on HBO and received the 2010 Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Documentary. Eric has also directed two other 30 for 30 films – a short film about baseball legend Pete Rose, and Renée, a feature on transsexual tennis sensation Renée Richards.

ESPN Films’ Peabody award-winning 30 for 30 film series continues with No Más, which will premiere on Tuesday, October 15, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN (following a special premiere on ESPN Deportes on Saturday, Oct. 12, at 9 p.m.) The film, directed by Eric Drath (Renee), chronicles the rivalry of boxing legends Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran.

In the midst of boxing’s contemporary golden age -­ the 1980’s -­ stood two fighters who established a captivating rivalry. Their pair of bouts within a span of just over 5 months in 1980 had all the trappings of instant classics. Sugar Ray Leonard, an American hero, who had become a household name after a Gold Medal-winning performance at the 1976 Summer Olympics that led to numerous corporate sponsorships, versus the lightweight champion Roberto Duran of Panama, the toughest -­ some said meanest -­ fighter of all time. It was not just the drama and action of these fights that would endure, but those two words uttered in the second of their clashes, which would create a sense of mystery, bewilderment and intrigue to the present day. Through Leonard’s journey to Panama to see his old rival in search of closure, No Más looks for answers to Duran’s stunning decision to quit in the middle of a championship fight.

Remaining films in the fall slate will air as follows:
Tuesday, Oct. 15, 8 p.m. – No Más (Director: Eric Drath)
Tuesday, Oct. 22, 8 p.m. – Big Shot (Director: Kevin Connolly)
Tuesday, Oct. 29, 8 p.m. – This is What They Want (Directors: Brian Koppelman and David Levien)
Tuesday, Nov. 5, 8 p.m. – Bernie and Ernie (Director: Jason Hehir)

Each 30 for 30 film will be available on iTunes and Amazon Instant Video the day after its broadcast premiere. A six-disc collectible DVD Gift Set, featuring the first fifteen films from 30 for 30 Volume II, will be available at major retailers in-store and online on November 26, 2013.

30 for 30-related updates are available at www.facebook.com/espn30for30 and www.twitter.com/30for30.

About ESPN Films
Created in March 2008, ESPN Films produces high-quality films showcasing some of the most compelling stories in sports. In October 2009, ESPN Films launched the Peabody Award-winning, Producer’s Guild Award-winning and Emmy-nominated 30 for 30 film series. Inspired by ESPN’s 30th Anniversary, the films that made up the series were a thoughtful and innovative reflection on the past three decades told through the lens of diverse and interesting sports fans and social commentators. The strong reaction from both critics and fans led to the launch of 30 for 30 Volume II, which is currently underway. Additional projects from ESPN Films include the critically acclaimed Nine for IX series, SEC Storied and the webby award winning 30 for 30 Shorts.

LAS VEGAS, August 1, 2013 – Sugar Ray Leonard, a 1976 Olympic gold medalist who won world titles in five weight classes as one of the great fighters in the 1980s, has announced that he will attend the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame’s inaugural induction gala on Saturday, Aug. 10 at the Monte Carlo Resort in Las Vegas.

A member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Leonard was chosen in the non-Nevada boxer category. He was 36-3-1 with 25 knockouts overall, but was 11-0-1 with eight knockouts in 12 fights in Nevada.

Among those were epic victories over Thomas Hearns, Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Wilfred Benitez, all of whom are, like Leonard, members of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Leonard stopped Hearns in the 14th round of a Sept. 16, 1981 welterweight title unification bout at Caesars Palace. After the 12th round, Leonard’s trainer, Angelo Dundee, recognized that Leonard was hopelessly behind.

“You’re blowing it, son,” Dundee said to Leonard. “You’re blowing it.”

Motivated by Dundee, Leonard stopped the previously unbeaten Hearns in the 14th round.

He famously moved up to middleweight in 1987 to challenge the great Hagler. Leonard outboxed Hagler and won a very close split decision to capture the 160-pound belt.

In 1988 at Caesars Palace, Leonard defeated Donnie Lalonde to win both the super middleweight and light heavyweight belts, his fourth and fifth weight class titles.

Other major boxers who have announced they will intend the induction ceremony are former heavyweight champions Mike Tyson and Larry Holmes and former multi-division champions Julio Cesar Chavez and Mike McCallum.

Also expected are legendary referees Mills Lane and Joe Cortez.
They are among 19 inductees in eight categories who will be honored at the much anticipated gala dinner.

The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame is an IRS 501-c-3 non-profit organization that was founded in 2012 by noted broadcaster Rich Marotta. Tickets for the gala and donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Tickets in the $250 category are sold out, but tickets at $150 and $50 are still available. The $150 tickets include dinner, but the $50 tickets do not.

For more information on the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame and its mission, visit its website at http://www.nvbhof.com. The Hall also has a social media presence on Twitter at @nvbhof and on Facebook at Facebook.com/nvbhof.

For more information on the dinner or any of the Hall’s activities, phone 775-384-1903.

AS VEGAS, NEV. (June 7, 2013) — Legends MIKE TYSON, SUGAR RAY LEONARD and OSCAR DE LA HOYA head up the list to be feted at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

The star-studded inaugural class of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame will be officially inducted in a gala dinner on Saturday, August 10, at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino.

Tickets for the event, ranging from $50 to $250, will go on sale on This Monday! June 10, at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT at the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame website at http://nvbhof.com.

The 19 inductees represent some of the best in the sport’s glorious history in Nevada and includes 12 who are already in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

The Hall’s board of directors selected the 19 enshrinees in eight categories: Nevada resident boxers; Non-Nevada resident boxers; Officials; Trainers; Promoters; Media; Executives; and Special Contributors.

“A true Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame has been long overdue, considering this state’s rich tradition in the sport,” NVBHOF founder and CEO Rich Marotta said. “The NVBHOF is ready to honor the significant contributors to boxing in Nevada. Our board of directors has been pointing to this night and is planning a gala, Las Vegas-worthy event. The Nevada boxing community comes together August 10.”

Some of boxing’s greatest champions and most well known names are among those who will be honored at the Monte Carlo.

Former undisputed heavyweight champion “Iron” Mike Tyson, former three-division world champion Mike “The Body Snatcher” McCallum and two-division world champion Diego “Chico” Corrales were chosen in the Nevada resident category.

The non-Nevada resident category is comprised of nothing but members of the International Boxing Hall of Fame: Former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes; 1976 Olympic gold medalist and multiple division world champion Sugar Ray Leonard; Julio César Chávez, México’s greatest boxer; and Oscar De La Hoya, boxing’s biggest pay-per-view star and a world title-holder in six weight classes.

The legendary Eddie Futch and Freddie Roach were chosen in the Trainers category. In the Officials category, open to both referees and judges, voters selected Mills Lane and Joe “Fair But Firm” Cortez.

Long-time Showtime and ESPN broadcaster Al Bernstein and former Las Vegas Review-Journal boxing writer Royce Feour are the inductees in Media.

Bob Arum of Top Rank and Don King of Don King Productions, arguably the two greatest promoters in the sport’s history, are going in together in the Promoters’ division.

Two long-time contributors to the Nevada Athletic Commission, former executive director Marc Ratner and ex-commissioner Dr. James Nave, were the picks in the Executives division.

And in the Special Contributors class, chosen were MGM Grand owner Kirk Kerkorian and Las Vegas power broker Sig Rogich.

In addition to inducting its first class, the NVBHOF will announce selections for male and female professional Fighter of the Year from Nevada; its Nevada Fight of the Year; as well as its Nevada Prospect and Amateur of the Year.

Gold Circle Ringside VIP tickets are $250 apiece or $2,500 for a table of 10. The ticket includes dinner, preferred seating and other amenities to be announced shortly. Ringside tickets are $150 per ticket or $1,500 for a table of 10. It includes dinner and a seat for the gala. A limited number of $50 General Admission tickets that do not include dinner but will allow access to the gala, will also be available.

The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charity organization 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.

You can “like” NVBHOF on Facebook (facebook.com/nvbhof) and follow it on Twitter (@nvbhof). For more information on the Hall of Fame, the induction ceremony or the Hall’s mission, phone 775-384-1903 or visit its website at http://nvbhof.com.

NORTH LAS VEGAS, NEV. (December 19, 2012) — Rich Marotta, founder and CEO of the newly-established Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (NVBHOF), announced the NVBHOF’s historic inaugural class of inductees at a news conference today, which was held at the Richard Steele Boxing Club in North Las Vegas. Induction will take place in 2013. Details on the ceremony will be released in the coming months. Voting for the inaugural class of the NVBHOF was conducted by its officers and its Board of Directors. The results are as follows:

NEVADA RESIDENT BOXER:

· MIKE TYSON (50-6, 44 KOs). The former undisputed heavyweight champion was also the youngest man to wear the heavyweight crown during his first of three title reigns. He was renowned for his punching power and became boxing’s biggest draw. Tyson is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

· MIKE McCALLUM (49-5-1, 36 KOs). Held the WBA super welterweight, WBA middleweight and WBC light heavyweight titles. McCallum is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

· DIEGO CORRALES (40-5, 33 KOs). Held the IBF junior lightweight title and unified the WBO and WBC lightweight belts with a knockout victory over Jose Luis Castillo in arguably the greatest fight of his era.

NON-NEVADA RESIDENT BOXER

· JULIO CÉSAR CHÁVEZ (107-6-2, 88 KOs). México’s greatest fighter, this three-division world champion was unbeaten in his first 90 bouts. Made his Nevada debut in 1985, knocking out Roger Mayweather in the second round to retain his WBC lightweight title. Nevada record was 21-4.(12 KOs). Chavez is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

· LARRY HOLMES (69-6, 44 KOs). Known as ‘The Easton Assassin,’ Holmes had one of the great jabs in boxing history. He won the title from Ken Norton in an epic bout in 1978 and held it until 1985. A member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Holmes was 18-3 in fights in Nevada.

· OSCAR DE LA HOYA (39-6, 30 KOs). The ‘Golden Boy’ won 10 world titles in six weight classes. He was the biggest pay-per-view star of his time and his bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007 set the record with 2.5 million buys. He’s now the president of Golden Boy Promotions.

· SUGAR RAY LEONARD (36-3-1, 25 KOs). A 1976 Olympic gold medalist, Leonard was boxing’s top star of the 1980s. His wins over Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran remain among the most significant in the sport’s history. Leonard was 11-0-1 in 12 Nevada fights.

TRAINERS

· EDDIE FUTCH. The legendary Futch, a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, is regarded by many as the best trainer in boxing history. He trained greats such as Joe Frazier, Riddick Bowe, Michael Spinks and Alexis Arguello. He also mentored several great trainers and taught Freddie Roach the business.

· FREDDIE ROACH. The International Boxing Hall of Fame member is most known for his work with Manny Pacquiao, but he trained a series of great fighters, including the late Johnny Tapia and Mike Tyson. Roach is a five-time trainer of the year.

OFFICIALS

· MILLS LANE. Lane became arguably the top referee of his time with a fair but no-nonsense style that commanded the respect of the fighters he worked with. A former pro boxer with a 10-1 record, Lane worked many big fights, including Mike Tyson-Evander Holyfield II, Pernell Whitaker-Oscar De La Hoya and Riddick Bowe-Evander Holyfield II. Lane was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame and will be inducted in June.

· JOE CORTEZ. Nicknamed “Fair but Firm” for not only his familiar catchphrase but also his style, Cortez was one of boxing’s great referees during his 32-year career. Cortez worked many of the big fights of his era, including Floyd Mayweather-Ricky Hatton, Shane Mosley-Fernando Vargas, Erik Morales-Manny Pacquiao and Lennox Lewis-Hasim Rahman. Cortez is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

MEDIA

· AL BERNSTEIN. A familiar voice for more than 30 years as an analyst and play-by-play man on boxing broadcast, the affable Bernstein is best known for his work at ESPN and Showtime. He also served as the boxing analyst for NBC’s coverage of the Olympics in both 1992 and 1996. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

· ROYCE FEOUR. Feour covered boxing in Nevada for more than 40 years, the last 37 at the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He was ringside for all of the big fights as Nevada earned its label as the boxing capital of the world. His first major fight was Sonny Liston-Floyd Patterson in 1963, and he covered all of the big stars of the five decades.

PROMOTERS

· BOB ARUM. A one-time U.S. attorney in the Kennedy Administration, Arum became perhaps the most significant promoter in history. He promoted more than 20 fights involved Muhammad Ali and was also the promoter of stars such as Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, among many others. Arum’s Top Rank Inc. is based in Las Vegas and put on many of Nevada’s biggest events. Arum is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

· DON KING. King was a numbers runner in Cleveland whose quick wit and indomitable work ethic led him to become one of boxing’s greatest promoters. He led the careers of dozens of stars, including Mike Tyson, Felix Trinidad and Larry Holmes. He is a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

EXECUTIVES

· MARC RATNER. Ratner was the executive director of the Nevada Athletic Commission from 1992 through 2006, earning a reputation for honesty and fairness, as well as the top regulator in the sport. Prior to becoming executive director, Ratner was the chief inspector for the commission and worked closely with his predecessor, Chuck Minker. Ratner is now the vice president of regulatory affairs for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

· JAMES NAVE. A local veterinarian, Nave was a member of the Nevada Athletic Commission for 11 years, from 1988 through 1999, and served two terms as its chairman. He was considered one of the sport’s top regulators and was a fierce advocate for fighter health and safety. Nevada made major strides in enforcing safety regulations during his tenure.

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS

· SIG ROGICH. Rogich served on the Nevada Athletic Commission for 12 years, from 1974 through 1986, including several stints as chairman. For many years after his term on the commission ended, Rogich worked closely with major promoters to help bring major boxing shows to Nevada. The president of the Rogich Communications Group, Rogich was a confidante and advisor to Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.

· KIRK KERKORIAN. A one-time amateur boxer of some note who was known as “Rifle Right Kerkorian,” Kerkorian helped bring big-time boxing to Nevada. He helped usher Las Vegas into the mega-resort age and his MGM Grand played host to some of the biggest fights in boxing history.

A non-profit corporation operated exclusively for charitable purposes, the NVBHOF will be dedicated to honoring boxers and those who have contributed significantly to the sport in Nevada. The other equally important part of the Hall’s mission will be to help those from the sport of boxing in need of financial assistance, as well as to help other boxing-related organizations which do the same. It will also support youth and amateur boxing programs, including the club boxing programs at the University of Nevada, Reno and UNLV.

“States such as California, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and most recently New York have their own Boxing Halls of Fame. I was astounded to learn that Nevada, with its rich boxing history, passionate fan base and the reputation as the Boxing Capital of the World, did not have its own Hall of Fame — a place to honor those who helped build its rich history in the sport,” Marotta said. “So we set out last summer to establish the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame as a non-profit, charitable organization to give back to the sport and its fans. In addition to an annual gala Induction Ceremony and Dinner, the NVBHOF will conduct other fund-raising events throughout the year to stay active within the state.”

The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame is an IRS 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt organization. Donations to the NV BHOF are tax-deductible, as are tickets purchased to NVBHOF-sponsored events. Donations can be made by visiting the NVBHOF website: www.nvbhof.com. You can “like” NVBHOF on Facebook (facebook.com/nvbhof) and follow it on Twitter (@nvbhof).

LAS VEGAS – Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns were two of the defining faces of the 1980s. Floyd Mayweather Jr. calls himself the face of boxing, better than Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali and presumably better than either Leonard or Hearns.

To Leonard and Hearns, however, that Mayweather face looks like a beaten one if it had come along during their era.

“I really think Floyd would have been too small for us,’’ Hearns said Friday at a news conference that included Leonard, his current friend and old rival. “We were big welterweights.’’

Leonard agreed and added a twist of humor when asked to say how Mayweather would have fared against Hearns.

“I don’t think anybody could have beat Tommy Hearns but me,’’ said Leonard, who scored a 14th round stoppage of Hearns in a 1981 classic and fought him to draw in a 1989 rematch.

There’s some talk that boxing would be better off if Shane Mosley upsets Mayweather Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. It would create other big bouts, including Mosley versus Manny Pacquiao. If Mayweather beats Mosley, there is doubt that he and Pacquiao will ever agree on a deal. Talks for a Pacquiao-Mayweatherfight in March fell apart over Mayweather’s demands for Olympic-style drug testing.

No matter what happens in Mosley-Mayweather, neither Hearns nor Leonard foresee a time that would approach their era, which included Roberto Duran and Marvin Hagler.

“It just happened,’’ Hearns said. “It was nothing we planned. In our day, we couldn’t pick and choose. We couldn’t duck fights. We had to fight the next guy out there. And we always did. That why, that time is remembered, even now.’’