LAS VEGAS - s4story -- The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame will introduce five inaugural special awards during its 14th Annual Induction Gala Weekend on Aug. 14-15 at The Orleans Hotel & Casino, recognizing individuals and organizations whose leadership, service and innovation have helped shape the sport both inside and outside the ring.

The inaugural recipients are Dave Moretti, recipient of the Marc of Distinction Award; Martha Vargas, recipient of the Yo Adrian Award; Larry Wade, recipient of The President's Pillar of Excellence Award; Bill "Uncle Bill" Caplan, recipient of The "Uncle Bill" Award; and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), recipient of the Trailblazer Award.

The awards will be presented during the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame's 14th Annual Induction Gala, alongside the induction of the Hall of Fame's Classes of 2025 and 2026.

While champions are celebrated for their accomplishments in the ring, the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame's special awards recognize the officials, coaches, families, advocates and innovators whose dedication has strengthened boxing and helped shape its legacy.

"The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame was founded to preserve and celebrate every part of boxing's rich history," CEO Michelle Corrales-Lewis said. "These awards recognize the people whose work often happens behind the scenes but whose impact is felt throughout the sport. Their dedication, leadership and service have helped shape boxing's legacy and continue to inspire its future."

Marc of Distinction Award

Named in honor of former Nevada State Athletic Commission Executive Director Marc Ratner, the Marc of Distinction Award recognizes individuals whose dedication to regulation, administration, officiating, advocacy and leadership has strengthened the sport and upheld its integrity.

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Dave Moretti was selected as the inaugural recipient as he celebrates 50 years in professional boxing. A longtime judge for the Nevada Athletic Commission, Moretti has officiated many of the sport's most significant championship bouts while earning the respect of fighters, promoters and officials throughout the boxing community. His decades of service have helped reinforce Nevada's reputation as the Boxing Capital of the World.

Yo Adrian Award

Inspired by Adrian Balboa's unwavering love, loyalty and strength in the Rocky film series, the Yo Adrian Award recognizes individuals whose commitment to family, community and the sport of boxing has left a lasting impact beyond competition.

Martha Vargas, matriarch of the Vargas boxing family, was selected as the inaugural recipient for her decades of dedication to her family and the boxing community. Through her steadfast support, leadership and encouragement, she has helped build one of boxing's most respected families while positively impacting generations of athletes and members of the boxing community.

The President's Pillar of Excellence Award

Named in honor of internationally renowned strength and conditioning coach Larry Wade, The President's Pillar of Excellence Award recognizes excellence in athletic preparation and performance while celebrating the behind-the-scenes professionals whose expertise helps athletes compete at the highest level.

Larry Wade, the inaugural recipient, has spent decades preparing world champions, Olympians and elite athletes for competition. A former professional track and field athlete, commentator, author and motivational speaker, he has trained athletes across boxing, football, basketball and track and field. His boxing clients include Shawn Porter, Caleb Plant, Badou Jack, Luis Ortiz, Jake Paul, Rolando Romero and Shane Mosley Jr.

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The "Uncle Bill" Award

Named in honor of legendary boxing publicist Bill "Uncle Bill" Caplan, The "Uncle Bill" Award recognizes individuals whose integrity, professionalism, compassion and lifelong service have made a lasting impact on the sport of boxing.

For more than six decades, Bill "Uncle Bill" Caplan represented world champions, promoted many of boxing's most memorable events and served as a trusted mentor to fighters, promoters, journalists and industry leaders. Known throughout the sport for his generosity, humility and professionalism, he became one of boxing's most respected ambassadors.

Caplan was selected as the inaugural recipient in recognition of a lifetime devoted to advancing the sport and exemplifying the values this award was created to honor. His legacy continues to influence generations of boxing professionals and serves as a reminder that some of the sport's greatest contributions are made far from the spotlight.

Trailblazer Award

The Trailblazer Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose vision, leadership and innovation are expanding opportunities and helping shape the future of boxing.

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) was selected as the inaugural recipient for helping transform women's boxing by elevating female fighters to main-event status on multiple boxing cards, promoting championship events that showcased women on boxing's biggest stages and helping secure record-breaking purses that expanded opportunities for female fighters. Through its investment in athletes and continued commitment to advancing women's boxing, MVP has helped reshape the landscape of the sport while inspiring the next generation of champions.

The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame said the five special awards will become annual honors recognizing individuals and organizations whose contributions extend beyond championship competition and continue to strengthen the sport for future generations.

The 14th Annual Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Gala Weekend will take place Aug. 14-15 at The Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The weekend will feature fan events, community activities and the induction of the Hall of Fame's Classes of 2025 and 2026, along with the presentation of the organization's inaugural special awards.

Visit https://www.nvbhof.com/ for more information.