On April 25, 1936, a future world champion boxer was born in Picayune, Mississippi by the name of Fred “Freddie” Little. He will be inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame on July 30 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Little grew up in Picayune where he said his childhood was rough. However, it taught him many lessons he would use as motivation to reach his goals.

“Enjoying your family is what life is all about. If you support them and they support you, anything is possible. I was blessed to have the family I have,” said Little. “My parents always told me to do your best and don’t look back, which was my motivation to do what I loved and work hard to accomplish what I wanted.”

Little is the oldest child of seven. His father, Roosevelt Little, passed away early in Little’s life, prompting him to take on a larger family role at the age of 12, becoming a surrogate father for his younger siblings. Little said the experience made him not only grow up faster, but also tougher.

In 1957, Little graduated from Carver High School. Shortly after graduation, he met Troy Latham, who Little said heard about his toughness and wanted to introduce him to a businessman who managed fighters. Little would later sign a boxing management agreement with James A. Stevenson, a Bogalusa insurance broker in New Orleans.

Little boxed from 1957-1972. Throughout his career, he earned WBC and WBA World Junior Middleweight Boxing titles and won 53 fights, 36 by knockout, had seven losses and two no contests, according to the Mississippi Boxing Hall of Fame.

Little was inducted into the Mississippi Hall of Fame for boxing in 1995 in Jackson.

Little always believed in himself, and was encouraged by his family, saying he always knew that one day he would become a world champion.

“Becoming a world champion is why you get in the ring. I prayed that I would come out better looking than my opponent each time I stepped in the ring and God answered my prayers and helped me throughout my career without any major injuries,” said Little.

Instead of focusing on one or two memorable moments, Little said he enjoys looking back at his career as a whole and the fact that he was able to do what he loved for as long as he did.

After his career as a boxer, Little was asked to become the fifth commissioner of the Nevada State Boxing Commission in 1983 by Gov. Richard Bryan. He served as commissioner for about 6 years.

Little does not miss fighting because he knows the time comes for every boxer to hang up their gloves. He said he is happy with how his life turned out. Jokingly, Little said, “I might announce a comeback soon.”

The 80-year-old Picayune native is very humble to be inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. He joins Muhammad Ali, who was inducted just last year, according to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame.

Most of Little’s family will be attending the induction ceremony at Caesars Palace, including his son Fredrick Little whom he raised with his high school sweetheart and wife, Barbara L. Moore.

“It’s a privilege to be inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. I am always thankful to be respected and recognized for doing something that I love,” said Little.