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Nevada Boxing Hall Of Fame Introduces Historic Inaugural
Special Awards Honoring The Visionaries Who Built Boxing
Beyond The Ring
The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame (NVBHOF) is proud to announce
the introduction of five inaugural Special Awards, a
landmark initiative recognizing the extraordinary
individuals and organizations whose dedication, leadership
and service have strengthened boxing far beyond championship
competition.
The awards will be presented during the 14th Annual Nevada
Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Gala Weekend, taking place
August 14-15, 2026, at The Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las
Vegas, alongside the induction of the Hall of Fame Classes
of 2025 and 2026.
While world champions are forever remembered for their
achievements inside the ropes, boxing's greatest legacy has
also been built by the judges, trainers, promoters,
advocates, families and innovators whose work often happens
behind the scenes. The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame's newest
honors were created to ensure their contributions are
recognized and celebrated for generations to come.
"Boxing has always been about more than what happens on
fight night," said Michelle Corrales-Lewis, CEO of the
Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. "These awards recognize the
remarkable people whose leadership, integrity and commitment
have helped shape our sport in countless ways. Their
influence extends beyond championships and reminds us that
boxing's greatest strength has always been its community."
The Inaugural 2026 Special Award Recipients
Marc of Distinction Award
Recipient: Dave Moretti
Named in honor of former Nevada State Athletic Commission
Executive Director Marc Ratner, this award recognizes
individuals whose excellence in regulation, officiating,
advocacy and leadership has upheld the integrity of
professional boxing.
A respected Nevada Athletic Commission judge for decades,
Dave Moretti is honored for his remarkable 50-year career
officiating many of boxing's most historic championship
contests while earning the admiration of fighters, promoters
and fellow officials around the world.
Yo Adrian Award
Recipient: Martha Vargas
Inspired by Adrian Balboa's unwavering loyalty, strength and
devotion to family in the Rocky film series, the Yo Adrian
Award celebrates individuals whose commitment to family,
community and boxing has left a lasting impact beyond
competition.
Martha Vargas, the matriarch of one of boxing's most
respected families, is recognized for decades of unwavering
support, leadership and encouragement that have positively
influenced generations of athletes and members of the boxing
community.
President's Pillar of Excellence Award
Recipient: Larry Wade
Named in honor of internationally renowned strength and
conditioning coach Larry Wade, this award recognizes
excellence in athletic preparation while honoring the
professionals whose expertise allows champions to perform at
the highest level.
The inaugural honor is presented to Larry Wade, whose
distinguished career has helped prepare world champions,
Olympians and elite athletes across multiple sports. His
work with fighters including Shawn Porter, Caleb Plant,
Badou Jack, Luis Ortiz, Jake Paul, Rolando Romero and Shane
Mosley Jr. has established him as one of boxing's most
respected performance coaches.
The "Uncle Bill" Award
Recipient: Bill "Uncle Bill" Caplan
Named after legendary boxing publicist Bill "Uncle Bill"
Caplan, this award recognizes individuals whose integrity,
professionalism, compassion and lifelong service have left
an enduring mark on the sport.
For more than six decades, Bill "Uncle Bill" Caplan has
represented world champions, promoted iconic events and
mentored countless fighters, promoters and journalists. His
generosity and unwavering commitment to boxing have made him
one of the sport's most beloved ambassadors.
Trailblazer Award
Recipient: Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)
The Trailblazer Award honors individuals and organizations
whose vision, leadership and innovation continue to expand
opportunities and shape the future of boxing.
The inaugural recipient, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), is
recognized for transforming women's boxing by elevating
female athletes to main-event status, producing championship
events that showcase women's boxing on the sport's biggest
stages and helping secure record-breaking purses that have
expanded opportunities throughout the industry. Through its
investment in athletes and commitment to advancing women's
boxing, MVP has helped reshape the landscape of the sport
while inspiring the next generation of champions.
A New Annual Tradition
Beginning this year, the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame's
Special Awards will become an annual tradition, recognizing
individuals and organizations whose influence extends beyond
the ring and whose contributions continue to strengthen
boxing's future.
The 14th Annual Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Gala
Weekend will feature fan events, community activities and
celebrations honoring boxing's rich history while
recognizing those whose passion and dedication continue to
move the sport forward.
About the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame
Founded in 2013, the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame is dedicated
to preserving and celebrating the rich history of boxing by
honoring the athletes, officials, trainers, promoters,
journalists and industry leaders whose contributions have
shaped the sport. Through its annual induction gala,
educational initiatives and community outreach, the
organization celebrates boxing's past while inspiring future
generations.
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