One of boxing’s most iconic figures, 4-Division World Champion Roberto Duran, has announced that he and his family will travel the long distance from Panama to Las Vegas for his induction into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. Duran will be among 18 inductees feted at the gala NVBHOF Induction Ceremony and Dinner August 9 at the New Tropicana, Las Vegas. Duran was selected in the “Non-Nevada Resident” category by the 35-member voting panel. This category honors great fighters who reside outside Nevada, but fought in the state at least 10 times or in 7 World Title bouts, distinguishing themselves at the highest levels.
Reached in Panama, Duran said, “It’s an honor and a true privilege to be inducted into the Nevada Hall of Fame with great boxing legends like Mr. Foreman and Mr. Holyfield.”
Duran embarked on his legendary 33 year professional career in 1968. He made his Nevada debut in devastating fashion in a 1978 bout at Caesars Palace. Duran stopped Esteban DeJesus in the 12th round of a WBC/WBA Lightweight Title Bout, gaining revenge against the first man who had defeated him. Duran would go on to fight 14 times In Nevada, many of them during the era of the big outdoor fights in Las Vegas. Ironically, one of his greatest Nevada fights resulted in a loss, a razor-thin decision defeat to the bigger and heavily-favored Marvelous Marvin Hagler, two judges having Hagler ahead by only one point at the fight’s conclusion.
Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame President/Founder Rich Marotta said, “We are excited that Roberto will travel so many miles to join us for his induction. I have seen how fans continue to idolize Manos De Piedra, and many have called asking if he would be coming to Vegas for the big night. If you look at Roberto’s third fight of his trilogy againt Sugar Ray Leonard, you’ll see how the Nevada Boxing HOF has already become a family. Roberto’s opponent Leonard, was inducted into the NVBHOF last year, as was the fight’s promoter Bob Arum, and was judged by still another inductee from last year, Joe Cortez. It highlighted the opening week of Steve Wynn’s Mirage Hotel, was refereed by Richard Steele, and both of those famous figures enter the NVBHOF along with Duran.”
Tickets are now on sale for the August 9 Induction Gala. Cocktails and Silent Auction begin at 6PM with dinner and ceremony beginning at 7:15. Tax-deductible tickets can be purchased on the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame website: nvbhof.com
Ticket prices are $300 for Gold Level VIP seating (table of ten $3000) and $175 for Silver Level tickets ($1750 for table of ten). Tickets include the dinner, souvenir program and gift.
