Fight Nights Are Finding Their Way Back to Atlantic City

Hey Folks,

I was going through some notes this morning and it really hit me… boxing in Atlantic City is finding its rhythm again. And listen — if you were around for those big fight nights back in the 80s, 90s, even early 2000s… you already know. Walking into Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, that buzz in the air, the crowd building up before the first bell — it just felt different here.

I’ve been in that building on those nights… and I’m telling you, nothing matched it.

And over the years, I’ve had the chance to talk with some of the best to ever do it — ” Only In America” Promoter Don King, Multiple World Champion Roy Jones Jr., World Champion Robert Duran, Heavyweight Contender Jerry Cooney, Felix Trinidad World Champion across three weight classes, Philly’s own World Champion Bernard Hopkins, Heavyweight Champion Riddick Bowe, Light Heavyweight / Heavyweight & Olympic Champion Michael Spinks… and even right here with local talent like undefeated Justin Figueroa .

And I’ll tell you something — every single one of them says the same thing.

They love Atlantic City.

The energy. The fans. The way this town shows up for fight night. To a man, they all believe boxing belongs right here — and they all look forward to coming back.

That tells you everything you need to know.

Now no — it’s never going to be the exact Tyson-era again. Different time, different game.

But I’ll tell you this… it feels real good to see it coming back the right way.

Last year alone, Atlantic City quietly hosted 10 fight cards for the second straight year, across
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, Tropicana Atlantic City, and Bally’s Atlantic City — along with Boardwalk Hall.

That’s not a one-off… that’s momentum.

And the night that really told me something? Over 8,000 people back inside Boardwalk Hall watching Jaron Ennis. That wasn’t just a fight — that was one of those moments where you go, “yeah… Atlantic City still has it.”

Now here’s what I like even more — it’s not just big headline fights. It’s consistency.

Boxing Insider Promotions, led by Larry Goldberg who brings multiple shows to Atlantic City each year, has been building something real over at Tropicana Atlantic City. They didn’t just show up — they’ve stayed. Multiple shows, growing crowds, better cards every time.

And you’re seeing that same steady push from R&B Promotions and Rising Star Promotions too.

That’s how you rebuild a fight town.

And I’ve got to give a shout to the Atlantic City Sports Commission — they’ve been doing a great job helping bring these promoters and events back into places like Boardwalk Hall.

Same goes for the casinos — Tropicana, Bally’s, and Hard Rock — for continuing to host these cards and keep fight nights alive across the city.

And I’ve got to say — what’s happening with the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame is something special.

They’re celebrating 10 years, and Ray McCline has done a phenomenal job bringing the legends back — the very fighters who made Atlantic City what it is.

If you haven’t checked it out yet, take a look here: Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame

That event every year late summer into early fall? That’s a can’t-miss weekend if you love boxing — and honestly, something I’d love to see even more people get behind.

🥊 What’s Coming Up in Atlantic City

If you’re asking me what’s next — here’s what’s on the calendar:

• April 11 – Big fight night at Boardwalk Hall featuring Vito Mielnicki Jr. vs. Omar Huerta
• May 29 – R&B Promotions Fight Night at the Hard Rock Sound Waves Theater
• May 30 – “Spring Da Pain” at Showboat Resort
• June 13 – Boxing Insider Promotions returns to the Tropicana
• August 21–23 – Pat Johnson Masters Championships at Showboat Hotel
• September 25–27 – 10th Annual Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend at the Hard Rock

That’s not hype — that’s a real schedule, and it’s only getting stronger.

So if you’re looking for things to do in Atlantic City, I’m telling you — grab some dinner take a walk on the Boardwalk and go to a fight.

Walk into the building… hear that first bell… feel that energy again.

If you know, you know.

And yeah… I’ll be in the building for a few of these myself.

Live-Work-Play-AC!
See you on the 48

AC Mike