When you hear the words “Celebrity Fight Night,” generally people think of a rough n’ dirty boxing ring match, especially if Muhammad Ali has something to do with it. In this case, it is a much different scenario that involves beautiful haute-couture gowns, flowing champagne and extravagant donations that are handed-off to the highest bidder. Not to mention, it all starts on the red carpet that hundreds of celebrities have walked over the past two decades to support an extremely significant cultural icon that has reigned as “Sportsman of the century” since 1999, according to Sports Illustrated. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984, for the past 22 years Ali has hosted an annual event to raise money and benefit the cause with all proceeds going to the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. After being absent the past several years, Ali made it out to this year’s Celebrity Fight Night despite his unstable condition.
It’s rather exciting to say that this annual event takes place in our hometown of Phoenix, Arizona and this year I received the opportunity to experience the excitement and buzz, myself. I dressed up, pulled out the notepad and put on my media hat upon arrival at the JW Marriott at Desert Ridge where the red carpet was properly set up for an evening of glitz, glamour and a lot of smiles. Media attendees spent at least 45 minutes setting up their cameras, testing their mics and finding their designated location for interviewing the celebrity guests. Expectations of who was expected to show up were murmured over the musical performances on the other side of the lobby and the buzz really started to build as the first celebrities started making their way down the red carpet.
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
For the next half hour, media called out to the celebrities that they had on their personal “interview wishlist” with the most popular questions of the evening being “what does this event mean to you” and “what do you admire about Muhammad Ali.” Nothing but the highest admiration for Ali echoed throughout the red carpet corridor coming from influential sports figures such as Carson Palmer and Rob Gronkowski to pop-culture icons such as Larry King and Bo Derek.
I was pleasantly surprised to see one celebrity guest in particular and was excited to have the opportunity to chat with John Paul Dejoria (Paul Mitchell) and his wife, Eloise Dejoria (founder of activewear and swim line, “Eloise Dejoria”) who were extremely humble and down-to-earth, much like the media portrays them to be.
John Paul Dejoria & Eloise Dejoria | Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Being a huge supporter of the cause, Dejoria was enthusiastic to be there and to share some news about projects in the works (on a side note, did you know that John Paul Dejoria is a co-founder of Patron Tequila? News to us!) and talk a little bit about why he loves Arizona. Scottsdale is one of his favorite destinations as most celebs would say but the beauty and tranquility of Sedona holds a special place in his heart. Eloise shared that there are two things on her must-do list when it comes to AZ, the first one being paying a visit to the mystical red rocks in Sedona and checking out the prestigious annual auto show and auction, Barrett- Jackson next January.
Carrie Underwood | Reba Mcentire | Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
After the red carpet frenzy, the evening commenced with an exclusive dinner in which prominent speakers, musical performances and a silent-auction took place. Muhammad Ali’s wife, Lonnie shared a few words and popular country music singer, Carrie Underwood was the musical headliner for the evening. Notable highlights to share were the extravagant items that were presented like an invitation to the Queen’s 90th birthday party and an intimate dining experience at Reba McEntire’s home in Nashville, Tennessee.
Our first year at Celebrity Fight Night as a media guest was very memorable and it was an honor to participate in such a highly regarded event that takes place in our hometown. It was refreshing to see so many celebrities that were outwardly supportive and truly admired Muhammad Ali and his legacy thus far.
See more celebrity red carpet photos below courtesy of Almanza Photography.
Please credit Couture in the Suburbs and Almanza Photography when sharing images.
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