A Note of Thanks to the West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 23 Nov 2023
(L-R) Emmanuel Rivera and Rick Farris, President of the West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame.
We sincerely thank the West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame for their gracious invitation and for everyone involved in the monumental success of the Class of 2023 induction ceremony—The Banquet of Champions.
Held at the historic Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, California on March 12, 2023, this remarkable event commemorated the unparalleled dedication and achievements of past, present, and future boxing legends, akin to an Oscar-worthy celebration.
Our heartfelt appreciation goes to President Rick Farris, VP Dan Hanley, and the dedicated board of directors at WCBHOF for orchestrating an unforgettable boxing gala—a tribute to the sport's greatest icons.
Kudos to directors Alan Swyer, Blanca Gutierrez, Jose Palacios, Lupi Gutierrez-Beagle, Colleen Kelly, Echo Lynn, Rosie Ramirez, and Terrance Morgan, along with International Directors Dimas Hearn, Akihito Ishi-I, legal counsel Mark J. Silverman, and the artist Jun Aquino.
An engaging and vibrant evening, worthy of an Oscar, was crafted by master emcee Jim Fitzgerald, sound and vision engineer Steven Frazier, event coordinator Dimas Hearn of Sky Events Production, and resident photographer Nate Wren, who captured all the special moments.
Our deepest gratitude extends to every participant, honoree, and attendee whose unwavering support and commitment to boxing's rich history made this gala an overwhelming success.
The West Coast Boxing Hall of Fame proudly welcomed the remarkable Class of 2023, including legends like Sugar Ray Robinson, George Foreman, James Toney, Carlos Ortiz, Berry Gordy Jr., Álvaro “Yaqui” López, Carlos Zárate Serna, Eddie Futch, and boxing’s only 8-division titlist, humanitarian Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao of the Philippines.
This prestigious event also paid tribute to esteemed individuals such as Gene Lebell, Larry Merchant, Bob Case, Eliza Jane Olson, Jack Reiss, Mike Serrano, Julius Ballo, and others whose contributions have indelibly marked the world of boxing. Their dedication, resilience, and unwavering passion have shaped the very essence of boxing, inspiring generations and weaving stories that transcend the squared circle.
Jun Aquino’s paintings of all the inductees beautifully encapsulated the enduring spirit of boxing through his magnificent masterpieces.
Thank you for allowing us to bear witness to this exceptional journey, honoring the champions of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Mabuhay.
Salamat.
Long live and Thank you.
Emmanuel Rivera, Founder and Curator
Keana Christine Rivera, Founding Member
Grant Samuel Rivera, Founding Member
Philippine Boxing Hall of Fame
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