LAS VEGAS, NV — October 13, 2026 — The International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame (IWBHF) celebrated a historic milestone on Saturday, October 10, 2026, hosting its highly anticipated "Night of Stars 3" induction ceremony at the Orleans Hotel & Casino. Amidst a celebratory crowd honoring 20 legendary inductees, Academy Award-winning actor and producer Matt Damon surprised attendees as an official VIP guest.

Damon, an avid boxing enthusiast who utilizes the sport as part of his personal fitness training, attended the gala event alongside his family to see one of our 2026 Inductees, Melissa Hernandez, to be inducted, and to champion the achievements of female fighters worldwide.

Photo credit:  Sheree Johnson/Damon with friends and family

Throughout the evening, Damon engaged with sports legends, event coordinators, and fans alike. Attendees, including IWBHF and WBAN founder Sue TL Fox, praised Damon for his warmth and graciousness as he took photos and celebrated the sport's milestone evening.

Laila Ali (left) and Naomi Graham - Graham meets
Laila Ali for the first time - after she played Ali in the movie
"Christy" a bio picture of Christy Martin

The star-studded event featured a keynote address by boxing legend Laila Ali and brought together prominent figures from the boxing community.

Photo Credit/Sheree Johnson - Matt Damon with
Matt Baiamonte and Damon's family.

Matt Baiamonte, said, “It was such a great event. Sue Fox is an absolute legend for what she does for women's boxing every year. I'm glad I could be a part of it and super happy to have come and supported my former fighter Melissa Hernandez. She deserves to be up there, and so do all of the women who stood beside her Saturday night. Congrats to all of them and also a big congrats to
Christy and Deidre for bringing women's boxing to a worldwide audience!”

The 2026 IWBHF ceremony marked one of the organization's most successful events to date, further cemented by an official city proclamation declaring October 10, 2026, as "International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame Day" in Las Vegas.

Photo credit:  Sheree Johnson

Sue TL Fox said, “The Annual International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame induction was elevated to unforgettable heights by the surprise attendance of Academy Award-winning actor Matt Damon. Damon attended to support one of the evening’s 2026 Inductee, Melissa Hernandez, a multi-world champion Melissa Hernandez.”

About the International Women’s Boxing Hall of Fame (IWBHF):
The IWBHF is the premier organization dedicated to preserving the history and celebrating the achievements of female boxers and trailblazers within the sport. Through its annual induction ceremony, the IWBHF honors the pioneers who have paved the way for future generations of women in the ring.

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