(AUGUST 12) On Saturday night at the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame held it’s first-ever induction ceremony and dinner before a sold-out audience of 400 boxing celebrities, dignitaries and fans tonight at the Monte Carlo Las Vegas Resort and Casino.

Photo: Mary Ann Owen

Multi-world champion "Amazing" Layla McCarter was honored to be chosen as their NVBHOF Female Fighter of the Year. One of the top warriors in the sport, McCarter went into her opponent's back yard in South Africa, and won by an eighth round stoppage of the previously undefeated Noni Tenge.  McCarter took home the WBA Light Middleweight world title.

 

WBAN contacted McCarter to talk with her about this prestigious award. McCarter said the following:

Thank you Rich Moratta and the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame for my award: Female Fighter of the Year. By including a female award in its inaugural ceremony, the NVBHOF gives hope to female boxers everywhere that they will be accepted and recognized for their outstanding achievements in the sport. The traditional boxing fraternity is becoming a boxing family that can no longer deny or discriminate against any group of people. Good boxing is good boxing, period! I applaud NVBHOF for its inclusion and support!

I would like to thank Mary Ann Owen, my family, friends, the media and dedicated fans who have supported me throughout my career.

Thank you Sue Fox and WBAN for spending countless hours helping promote women boxing all over the world. It's a labor of love and I appreciate you always fighting for us.

Thanks to Andile Sidinile of Sijuta promotions in East London, South Africa for providing the fight on which this award was based and the people of South Africa for their continued support.

Also, thanks to the Nevada State Athletic Commission who are the very best in the world; Especially Keith Kizer who helped make history with the approval of 12 x 3 minute round fights.

McCarter points towards Don King to give him credit
for showcasing female bouts on network TV

A Special thanks to Don King who put women boxers on major promotions and network TV,  when no other promoters have done so. We must continue his vision of equality.

Most importantly, I want to thank Luis Tapia who is my trainer, manager, and very best friend in this world. Guiding me to become a six-time world champion in four weight classes, Luis not only taught me about boxing but about making better decisions, choosing my company wisely, and being mentally tough. He made everything possible in my career.

I'm deeply grateful to boxing for giving me a dream, a direction, and a life full of experience and great memories."

NVBHOF Founder and President Rich Marotta said, "We are a Nevada-centric organization and we want to recognize not only the past greats, the inductees, but those from Nevada who are making it happen in our state right now."

More photos of McCarter...

*All photos by Luis Tapia, except for the main top photo that is by Mary Ann Owen.