Fight Night!

Last night, we were at the main event of the season, DC’s annual Fight Night held at The Washington Hilton. 

Now in its 26th year, the event raises millions for at-risk youth in the nation’s capital and surrounding cities, drawing A-listers from every industry. This year, Under Armour returned as the presenting sponsor, instrumental in reaching the $50M-plus charitable goal since its inception. Sitting ringside were Under Armour founder/CEO Kevin Plank (right) with his brother, former UA exec and now founder of War Horse, Scott.

Prior to being seated for dinner, VIP guests enjoyed an exclusive reception which included silent auctions, passed hors d’oeuvres, and even an indoor basketball court! Honored guests included boxing legends Gerry Cooney, Earnie Shavers—the late, great Muhammad Ali famously said Earniewas in a league of his own—with John Russell and former Steelers linebacker Jerrol Williams.

We chatted with Fight Night chairman, Monumental Sports & Entertainment’s Raul Fernandez, who told us that each year the event just gets bigger and better, and harder and harder to top. Raul is flanked by Perella’s Andrew Bednar, Bill McComb, and iHeartMedia’s Cliff Chiet. 

In true Fight Night fashion, guests relished expensive cigars paired with single-malt scotch and a heavy seated dinner, all in the name of charity. Miss World America Audra Mari with former Rep. and DC-area basketball legend Tom McMillen.

The main event featured undefeated prospect Daniel Franco facing Derrick Murray for the vacant US Boxing Association featherweight title. Excited to see the outcome of the match were HBO’s Ballers TV stars Omar Miller and Donovan Carter.

Following the matches, the evening was topped off with performances from hip-hop acts The Sugarhill Gang, and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five as well as Foreigner and late addition Sheila E., preceded by a performance by the Washington Redskins cheerleaders. London and Jen are flanked by Washington Valor cheerleaders Monique, Whitney and Liz.