Nevada Boxing Hall Of Fame Announces 2025 And 2026 Induction Classes

The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame proudly announces the distinguished inductees for the
Class of 2025 and Class of 2026. These fighters and contributors represent excellence,
legacy, and a lasting impact on the sport of boxing. Their accomplishments inside and
outside of the ring helped shape generations of fighters and fans. This year’s gala will be
held August 15 th at The Orleans Hotel and Casino, with
Class of 2025
Nevada Resident Boxer
Laura Serrano – A trailblazing pioneer in women’s boxing, Serrano became one of the
most accomplished female fighters of her era, fighting in Las Vegas 6x. The Mexico City
native who later moved to Nevada, began her career fighting the great Christy Martin to a
draw in 1994 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Serrano captured multiple world titles
and helped push the sport forward for women at a time when opportunities were limited.
Non-Nevada Resident Boxers
Antonio Tarver – A former light heavyweight and cruiserweight world champion and
1996 Olympic bronze medalist, Tarver was known for his sharp counterpunching and
ring IQ holding the WBC, IBF, Ring and WBA titles at various times of his career.

Fighting 5x in Las Vegas including his 2 nd round knockout victory over Roy Jones Jr. at
Mandalay Bay. Tarver was one of the premier fighters of the 2000s.
Paulie Ayala – The 1999 Ring Magazine “Fighter of the Year” and two-division world
champion fought an amazing 10x in Nevada including his fights with Erik Morales,
Nestor Lopez and his fight of the year with Johnny Tapia. Ayala was one of the most
technically skilled bantamweights of his generation who was known for his heart and
determination.
Mikey Garcia – Part of the famed Garcia fighting family, Las Vegas was a second home
to Mikey, fighting 8x there. A four-division world champion admired for his precision,
timing, and calm ring presence. Garcia defeated numerous champions including Jesse
Vargas, Orlando Salido and Adrien Broner to name a few during his career and became
one of the most respected fighters of his era.
Jorge Paez – The flamboyant “Clown Prince” of boxing and former unified world
champion nicknamed 'El Maromero.' Paez was beloved by fans for his exciting fighting
style and colorful personality throughout his long and entertaining career. Fighting 16x in
Nevada, Paez took on the very best including Oscar de La Hoya and Pernell “Sweet Pea”
Whitaker and won titles by defeating Troy Dorsey and Louie Espinoza
Posthumous
Ricky Hatton – One of the most popular fighters of his generation, the British star
captured world titles at junior welterweight and welterweight including a spectacular 11 th
round knockout of the IBF and Ring Jr. Welterweight Champion, Kostya Tszyu. Known
for his relentless pressure and huge fan following, his fights in Las Vegas with the likes
of Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao attracted thousands of fans to the “fight
capital” of the world.
Non-Boxer
Brad Goodman – A highly respected Brad Goodman is considered the one of the
greatest boxing matchmakers in the sports history. The Top Rank matchmaker and talent
evaluator has spent decades helping build major fight cards and developing world
champions through his work in the sport.

Class of 2026
Nevada Resident Boxer

Jesse Vargas – A former two-division world champion who proudly represented Las
Vegas. Vargas captured world titles at junior welterweight and welterweight while
fighting 17x in Nevada at seven different venues while competing against many of the
sport’s elite fighters including the likes of Manny Pacquiao at the Thomas and Mack
Center.
Non-Nevada Resident Boxers
Gennady Golovkin – Although only fighting 3x in Nevada, Gennady “GGG” Golovkin
is considered one of the most dominant middleweights of the modern era. Golovkin held
multiple middleweight world titles and became famous for his knockout power,
disciplined “Mexican Style”, and memorable trilogy with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.
Raúl Márquez — The former IBF super welterweight world champion and decorated
amateur standout built a reputation for his toughness and thrilling fights inside the ring.
Márquez represented the United States at the Olympics before forging a respected
professional career that included nine bouts in Nevada. Among them was his
championship victory over Anthony Stephens at the Tropicana, as well as his hard-fought
clash with Fernando Vargas in Lake Tahoe. Throughout his career, Márquez also shared
the ring in memorable matchups with Shane Mosley and Yori Boy Campas. After retiring
from competition, he successfully transitioned into broadcasting and is now regarded as
one of boxing’s most respected commentators.
Marcos Maidana – The fan friendly hard‑hitting Argentine, and former WBA super
lightweight and welterweight world champion, Maidana fought 6x in Nevada. Known for
his relentless aggression, solid punching power and memorable battles with Amir Khan,
Victor Ortiz, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Adrien Broner, Maidana left a legacy of
toughness and entertainment in the ring.
Gerry Cooney – A legendary heavyweight contender remembered for his powerful left
hook and his historic 1982 championship bout against Larry Holmes in front of 29, 000
fans at Ceasars Palace fought 3x in Nevada and had key victories over Ken Norton, Ron
Lyle and Jimmy Young, with his only losses coming to George Foreman, Larry Holmes
and Michael Spinks.
Non-Boxer
Richard Sloan – A respected contributor to the sport whose work behind the scenes
helped support boxing events and organizations connected to Nevada’s rich fight history.
In his early life Sloan trained and lived in “Smokin” Joe Fraizer’s gym in Philadelphia. In
the past two decades Sloan has become the go-to artist for boxing programs fight posters
and art boxing memorable that has been displayed both nationally and internationally,
including his contributions to the NVBHOF.

The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame  is an independent, nonprofit institution dedicated to
preserving the rich legacy of boxing in the Silver State. For generations, Nevada has
stood at the center of the sport—host to historic bouts, iconic champions, and the
moments that defined eras. Our mission is to honor the men and women whose
achievements, dedication, and contributions shaped boxing’s history in Nevada, ensuring
their stories are preserved and celebrated with the respect they deserve.​ Beyond the ring,
the Hall recognizes boxing’s power to inspire discipline, resilience, and purpose.
Through its influence, we seek to uplift and support the next generation, carrying forward
the values that have long defined the sport.

The post Nevada Boxing Hall Of Fame Announces 2025 And 2026 Induction Classes appeared first on FightNews.