The International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame 2023 two-day 10th Anniversary “Night of the Stars” celebration on October 6th and 7th was a triumph.
The opening day October 6th event celebrated pioneer boxers and active female boxers who have demonstrated boxing excellence for 25 years or more. The event closed with a birthday celebration for the 25th anniversary of WBAN—the Women’s Boxing Archive Network, which since 1998 has been the source on the internet for information on the sport and its practitioners in amateur and professional boxing.
For the class of 2023 and 2023 induction event, Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman issued a proclamation declaring October 7, 2023, Women’s Boxing Day. The ceremony itself which included the induction of WBC Cares International Chair, Jill Diamond, came with moving moments and the joyful fête of both classes of inductees as well as special awards for the 2023 and 2024 Lifetime Achievement awardees, and the Outside The Ring awardee.
The full list of inductees and awardees:
IWBHF Class of 2023 Inductees
Kaliesha West; Sonya Lamonakis; Laura Ramsey; Kim Messer*; Leah Mellinger; Jenifer Alcorn*; Melissa McMorrow; Yvonne Trevino; Melissa Del Valle; Jill Diamond Chastain; Bruce Silverglade; and Dallas Malloy.
Beyond the Ropes Award: Marty Wynn*
Lifetime Achievement Award: Regina Halmich
IWBHF Class of 2024 Inductees
Agnieszka Rylik*; Daniella Smith, Suzy Taylor; Rhonda Luna; Maria Jesus Rosa; Jacqui Frazier-Lyde; Esther Schouten*; Stacy Prestage; Sindy Amador; Judy Kulis, Lou Dibella*; and Jenny Reid.
Beyond the Ropes Award: Stuart Breslow
Lifetime Achievement Award: Sumya Anani
Special Awards
- 2023 Pioneer Award: Jamie Johnson
- 2023 Special Contributor Award: Michael O’Neil (posthumous)
- 25th Anniversary Award Active Professional Boxers: Layla McCarter, Chevelle Hallback
*Unable to attend event
Credits:
- Mañosa Smith author/photos
- Photo credit: Nat Wren (Jill Diamond photo, Group shot with Christy Martin, et al.)
- Photo Credit: Kristine Ejem (Inductees on stage)