LAS VEGAS, NV - (April 19, 2025) The International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame (IWBHF) "Night of the Stars 2" event took place on April 4th and 5th at The Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.  In the pre-celebration it  began with its “Women Cops Who Box” celebration on the first day of the event on Friday, April 4th.  WBAN has has featured a segment on "Women Cops Who Box" since around 2000 that features many of the female boxers who have also served in Law Enforcement. To read all about the 13 Women Cops Who Box Reward Recipients, go here.

The next day, on Saturday, April 5th, the Induction Ceremony/Dinner event took place where the IWBHF 2025 Inductees and other Special Award Recipients were honored and celebrated. [Poster below is of all Special Award recipients both days of event]

Among the Special Award Recipients, Chevelle Hallback of Plant City, Florida received an Inspirational Award for winning a world title at the age of 52. Hallback won the vacant National Boxing Association (NBA) welterweight title in March 2024. It should be noted that Denise Castle won a world title at 52 and was a few month older than Hallback.

Photo Credit of Chevelle Hallback - Sheree Johnson

According to the Guinness World Records, Alicia Ashley has the record for the oldest female world boxing champion. Ashley won the vacant WBC super bantamweight title in October 2015 at the age of 48 and lost the title at the age of 49. Hallback was in attendance to receive her Inspirational Award. Hallback said that she has been boxing for 28 years. Hallback was inspired to box by watching Muhammad Ali fight. Hallback did not know if it was possible for her to become a boxer because she never saw women’s boxing before until she saw Christy Martin fight.

Another Special Award Recipient, Daisy Lang received a 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award. Lang transitioned from martial arts where she won European and world titles in karate and kickboxing. In professional boxing, she won the Women’s International Boxing Federation (WIBF) super flyweight title, bantamweight title, and super bantamweight title .“Boxing isn’t just a sport. It is a way of life,” Lang said. Lang said that she hopes her journey has opened doors for the next generation of girls. Lang’s birthday was the day before on April 4th, but it was Lang who was giving a gift to Sue Fox. Lang presented an oil painting of herself when she was a boxer with both of her arms raised in triumph.  Lang was an IWBHF inductee in 2017.

Patricia Trejo Ruiz of Mexico received a Special Award for being the oldest female professional boxer. According to the Guinness World Records, Ruiz was 54 years and 241 days old when she fought in a pro boxing match in October 2019.

Margaret McGregor received a Trailblazer Award for being the only female boxer who fought a male boxer in a sanctioned bout in the United States. There were other mixed gender matches before, but this was the first time that a bout was sanctioned by a boxing commission. The fight took place in Seattle, Washington in October 1999. McGregor’s opponent was Loi Chow with a record of 0-2.

Photo Credit of Pat Orr - Sheree Johnson

Pat Orr began her photography journey in the early 1980s, a time when the art was rapidly evolving but still deeply rooted in tradition. Initially focusing on weddings and portraits, she honed her skills in capturing cherished moments for families. Pat’s meticulous eye for detail and ability to connect with people quickly set her apart in a competitive industry. What started as a passion soon blossomed into a thriving business.

Pat’s turning point came in 1990 during a visit to the International Boxing Hall of Fame with her mother on Mother’s Day. A chance encounter with the Hall's director, Ed Brophy, led to a life-changing opportunity. "When I told him I was a photographer, he asked if I was interested in shooting their first induction in June. It didn’t take long for me to respond, absolutely, yes!" This invitation marked the beginning of Pat's remarkable role as the official photographer for the Hall of Fame.

Photo Credit of Brentnoll Bovell - Sheree Johnson

Brentnoll "Smooth Ref" Bovell. received a Special Award "Beyond the Ropes.  Known for his impeccable officiating skills and dedication to the sport, Bovell received this award for this accolade not only honoring his contributions but also highlights his enduring commitment to boxing, both in the ring and beyond.

Photo Credit of Elise Travis - Sheree Johnson

Leaping Lena Levy [posthumous], was born into a family with a strong appreciation for sports, Lena Levy developed a passion for boxing early on. As the sister of King Levinsky, stepped into the managerial role with a mix of determination and love. At a time when women were seldom seen in such roles, Lena not only managed King’s career but also carved out a unique space for herself in the sport and the history of women's boxing.

“Leaping Lena” meticulously orchestrated her brother’s training, developing strategies that would lead him to fight in over 125 professional bouts. Under her guidance, King fought renowned opponents like Max Baer, Jack Sharkey, Joe Louis, and countless others in some of the largest venues in the sport that included many fights at the Madison Square Garden in New York, the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, and many major venues in Chicago.  Levy's award was accepted by her granddaughter, Elise Travis who traveled all the way from Hawaii with family to receive the Special Award.

 

Our elite IWBHF class of 2025 includes the following: Jackie Nava, retired multi-world champion, Mexico; Vaia Zaganas, retired multi-world champion, Canada, Kina Malpartida, retired multi-world champion, defending her belt five times, Peru, living in the USA: Jennifer Han, retired world champion, USA; Shelly Vincent, retired multi-world champion, USA; Helga Risoy, pre-modern boxer, 1990’s, Norway; Diana Prazak, retired multi-world champion, Australia, lives in USA; Kara Ro, retired world champion, Canada; Frida Wallberg, retired world champion, Sweden; Kathy Williams, retired world champion, Canada; Yvonne Caples, retired world champion, India, lives in USA; Jolene Blackshear, retired world champion, USA; Yessica Chavez, retired world champion, Mexico; Stephanie Jaramillo, pre-modern boxer, pre 2004, USA; Jill Matthews, retired multi-world champion, pre-modern boxer 1990’s, USA; Carlette Ewell, retired multi-world champion, USA; Yvonne Barkley, Pioneer female boxer from the 1970s-1980s, USA; Linda Platt, pioneer, one of the first females as a high-profile photographer; and Don King and Diane Fischer, long-time boxing promoters, [Check out the IWBHF Inductees who WERE present at the event, and read their stories]

Most of them were in attendance. Some were not present, that included Don King who is still working as a promoter at the age of 93 and was busy with negotiations, so he was unable to attend. Christy Martin who was an IWBHF inductee in the inaugural Class of 2014 accepted King’s induction award. 

Photo Credit of Christy Martin - Sheree Johnson

According to Martin, King said that it was a great honor that his work in women’s boxing is being noticed and appreciated.

Photo Credit of Diane Fischer - Sheree Johnson

Promoter Diane Fischer fell in love with boxing during her teenage years.  She watched the Friday Night Fights with her father, Jack Trevethan.  Her first boxing hero was none other than Archie Moore, but her first true hero was her father.  It was he who fostered and nurtured the independent spirit that has guided her life and enabled her to achieve the accomplishments of which many only dream.  She honored her father at each of her 70+ professional boxing promotions with a banner that read “My Daddy’s Dream”.  Full biography

Photo Credit of Jackie Nava - Sheree Johnson

Jackie Nava of Mexico won the inaugural WBC super bantamweight title in May 2005 which is when the WBC began to sanction world title fights in women’s boxing.  Jackie's interest in sports began in elementary school where she participated in Olympic gymnastics and basketball.   She started in the American-Polynesian contact sport Limalama at age 12, under the supervision of Jorge Salazar, entering international tournaments and receiving a black belt in 1997. Full biography

Photo Credit of Diana Prazak - Sheree Johnson

Diana Prazak of Australia won world titles in the super featherweight division. Prazak opening remarks when accepting her speech was,  “Sue Fox, thank you for giving a sh*t!”  The audience broke out in laughter!  Prazak said that it took a really long time before someone did care. “We didn’t do this for the money. We did it because we loved the sport. We did it for the challenge,” Prazak said. “I fought the best and every fight taught me so much more about myself and to be the person that I truly was,” Prazak said.  Full Biography

Photo Credit of Jill Matthews - Sheree Johnson

Jill “The Lion Zion” Matthews, has made an indelible mark in the sport despite taking up boxing later in life. Her incredible journey from a hyperactive child to a world champion showcases her resilience and dedication, which is now being celebrated by the boxing community. skills earned her a scholarship to Southern Connecticut University. Her boxing career quickly gained momentum. In 1995, Matthews became the first woman to win the Golden Gloves competition in New York City, where she showcased her impressive skills with two swift first-round knockouts. This victory helped make her way for moving into professional boxing, where she faced numerous challenges and formidable opponents.

Photo Credit of Jennifer Han - Sheree Johnson

Jennifer Han has revolved her entire life around combative sports. She's accomplished many milestones in martial arts throughout her life to include three black belts and many national and international championships.  Jennifer Han (Korean-American) is the oldest of 5 siblings, she attended Irvin High School and holds a Degree in Kinesiology and miner in business from The University of Texas at El Paso. She is a lifelong martial artist studying under her father Master Bae Han where she's the chief Instructor at Han’s Oriental Martial Arts with her father and siblings.

Han made her professional boxing debut on July 31, 2009, facing Melissa St. Vil at the Pan American Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Despite a close four-round decision loss, Han did not let this setback define her. Over the next decade, she transformed into a formidable competitor, and in September 19, 2015, she became the first world champion boxer from El Paso, winning the IBF World Featherweight title. Full Biography
 

Photo Credit of Linda Platt - Sheree Johnson

Linda Platt was born in Washington, D.C. Her father loved boxing and introduced her to the sweet science at a young age. She relocated to Las Vegas in late 1979 where she began attending weekly boxing cards at the Silver Slipper Casino making friends and photographing the boxers and fights. Linda was the only woman boxing photographer at that time. Shortly thereafter, boxers, trainers, and managers were coming to her for their photos before and after boxing events. She was a regular mainstay at Johnny Tocco’s Ringside Gym and the Golden Gloves Gym where she was warmly welcomed.

Her photos began appearing on the covers of Japan World Boxing, Guantes Magazine, Boxing Digest along with Puerto Rican and Panamanian publications thus making her the first international woman boxing photographer. She began writing a boxing column “In My Corner” for a local newspaper, The Mirror/Sportsbook. Platt’s photos also appeared in Chuck DiRocco’s Sportsbook, another weekly newspaper as well. Full Biography

Photo Credit of Kara Ro - Sheree Johnson

Kara “KO” Ro born and raised in Northern Ontario, Kara Ro's early life was filled with athletic pursuits. She showcased her talent in various sports, excelling in basketball, tennis, and volleyball, where she had the honor of captaining the University of Windsor Women's Team. It was during her time studying Psychology and Business at the University of Windsor that she discovered her love for boxing. Initially, she joined a local boxing club to support her boyfriend, who was pursuing a career in the Ontario Hockey League. Little did she know that this decision would change the course of her life forever.

Kara Ro’s professional boxing career blossomed between 2002 and 2011, marked by notable achievements and numerous accolades. In February 2005, she captured the WIBA Intercontinental Lightweight title following a hard-fought eight-round unanimous decision against veteran Tracy Byrd. Just a few months later, she claimed the vacant WIBA Lightweight title with a remarkable victory over Miami-based Belinda Laracuente. These victories not only defined her career but also established her as a significant force in boxing.  Full biography

Photo Credit of Kathy Williams - Sheree Johnson

Kathy "Shake 'em Down" Williams, celebrates her incredible contributions to women’s boxing and her journey from Thunder Bay to the hall of fame. Born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Williams found her passion for boxing at a young age. Starting her training at just 11 years old, she quickly fell in love with the sport. However, in an era where women's boxing was still burgeoning, Kathy stepped away from competing due to a lack of opportunities. It wasn't until she attended a police college in 1993 that her interest reignited after witnessing two women boxers in action. Kathy recalls thinking, "I could beat them," which led her to reconnect with her love for the sport.  Full Biography

Photo Credit of Yessica Chavez - Sheree Johnson

Mexico's Yessica "Kika" Chávez made her professional debut in June 2006 with a fourth-round technical knockout against Maribel Cruz in Cancún. This victory marked the beginning of an long-going journey that would see her rise through the ranks of women’s boxing. Over the next 15 years, Kika would become a multi-world champion, holding the IBF female light flyweight title from 2011 to 2013 and the WBC female flyweight title from 2015 to 2017. Her dedication to the sport is reflected in her impressive record of 32-5-3 (4KO).

Throughout her career, Yessica faced some of the toughest competitors in the boxing ring, including renowned boxers that included Ibeth Zamora Silva, Yesica Yolanda Bopp, Katia Gutierrez, Esmeralda Moreno, Irma Sanchez, Arely Mucino, Tenkai Tsunami, Melissa McMorrow, Simona Galassi, Naoko Fujioka, and Ana Arrazola. Notably, her bout against Esmeralda “Joya” Moreno for the coveted WBC Diamond belt showcased Kika's mental fortitude. Prior to the fight, she famously declared, “The first thing that you have to do in life to achieve something is to believe in it,” emphasizing a champion's mentality that propelled her to victory by decision.

Photo Credit of Yvonne Caples- Sheree Johnson

Yvonne Caples’ journey in boxing began with her triumphs as an amateur, where she made a name for herself by competing in several national tournaments. Her crowning achievement came in 1999 when she captured the National Golden Gloves championship in the junior flyweight category. This early success laid the groundwork for her professional career, where she would go on to fight on global stages, showcasing her skills against some of the toughest competitors around the world.  Her professional highlights include winning the IFBA Junior Flyweight World Championship, a testament to her hard work and perseverance.

Yvonne faced multiple challenges throughout her career, each one contributing to her legacy in the ring. One of her most memorable bouts was against Germany's Regina Halmich, a fighter with an impressive record of 39-1 at the time. Despite the heartbreaking decision that followed their fight, Yvonne considered it a shining moment in her career. She said, “I fought a strategic, disciplined fight where I out-landed and outsmarted my opponent.” Full Biography

Photo Credit of Stephanie Jaramillo - Sheree Johnson

Stephanie Jaramillo hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Jaramillo’s journey from a curious five-year-old inspired by a Mike Tyson fight to a celebrated professional boxer is both remarkable and inspirational. This article explores her path to induction, highlighting her achievements, challenges, and enduring impact on women's boxing.

Stephanie fell in love with boxing began at an unusually young age. After catching a glimpse of a Mike Tyson fight at her grandparents' house, she couldn't contain her enthusiasm. At just five years old, she was already shadow boxing in front of a window—an innocent moment turned epic when her excitement led her to punch a fist-sized hole through the glass. This childhood incident marked the inception of a passionate journey that would lead her to become a powerhouse in women’s boxing.  Full Biography

Photo Credit of Shelly Vincent - Sheree Johnson

Shelly “Shelito's Way” Vincent, growing up in New London, Connecticut, Shelly faced immense challenges. Raised by her mother, Tania, who battled to provide for them amid significant hardships, Shelly experienced trauma that would have deterred many. In her youth, she witnessed and endured physical abuse, but she also found an outlet in sports like boxing and karate.

Her introduction to the sport began when she convinced her mother to take her to Whaling City Boxing in Waterford, Connecticut. This was not just a turning point—it was the genesis of a career that would impact not only her life but countless others. Tragically, in 2001, Shelly lost her mother to leukemia. On her deathbed, Tania made a heartfelt request: she urged Shelly to never stop boxing, believing it would be her salvation.  Full Biography

 

Photo Credit of Helga Risoy  - Sheree Johnson

Helga Risoy was born and raised on a quaint island in northern Norway, surrounded by the love of her grandparents and five uncles. Navigating between two islands for school was a daily adventure that imprinted resilience in her character from a young age. At just nine years old, Risoy discovered her passion for kickboxing through television broadcasts, dreaming of one day stepping into the ring herself.

However, it wasn’t until 1977, when she relocated to Oslo, that Helga seized the opportunity to train. Against a backdrop where boxing gyms were male-dominated, she faced initial resistance but soon gained respect by sparring with her male counterparts. Her groundbreaking presence not only opened doors for herself but eventually paved the way for other women to join the sport. With her fight for inclusion, the Norwegian Boxing Association began sanctioning women’s bouts, a significant milestone in the history of women's boxing in Norway.  Full Biography

Photo Credit of Yvonne Barkley- by Mary Ann Owen

Yvonne Barkley made her mark in the late 1970s and 1980s, a time when female boxers were often overlooked in the sport of boxing. She fought in the junior welterweight and Lightweight division, showcasing her skills against some of the most formidable opponents of her era. Her tenacity was exemplified in memorable bouts, including a notable five-round fight against Lady Tyger Trimiar at the West Philly Arena in March 1976 where she won the decision over Trimiar. Another prominent fight, Barkley fought in was against Sue Carlson on November 2, 1979, in a scheduled 10 round bout championship bout, where she stopped Carlson in the fifth round. Yvonne was rated #1 in the world in 1979 and in 1980 in the lightweight division. Full Biography

Lastly, for a third time with our IWBHF event, the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame was made a Proclamation Day on April 5, 2025 by Mayor of the City of Las Vegas! In an exciting announcement for boxing enthusiasts and advocates of women’s boxing, Mayor Shelley Berkley of the City of Las Vegas has proclaimed April 5, 2025, as "International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame Day."

This proclamation marks a significant milestone for the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame (IWBHF), which will host its annual induction ceremony at the Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. This year’s event promises not just celebration but also recognition of the extraordinary contributions women have made to the sport of boxing, and those outside the ring, male and female who have contributed tremendously to the sport of women’s boxing.

Our next event takes place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Orleans Hotel & Casino, in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Viva Las Vegas, Baby!

We would like to thank our 2025 IWBHF Sponsors that included the following:  IBF, WBC, Girls that Wanna Box, Christy Martin Promotions, Laila Ali LLC, I Box Ring, Fight Like a Girl Productions, and Cleto Reyes Gloves. 

WBAN / IWBHF
WBAN Instagram
WBAN Facebook

WBAN / IWBHF WEBSITES
www.womensboxing.org
www.wbanmember.com
www.floridaboxing.com
www.iwbhf.com
WBAN's Group Facebook