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How Las Vegas Became The Boxing Capital Of The World

 

Whether you have been watching boxing for a number of years or you are just tuning into your first fight, there is simply no denying that Las Vegas is the boxing capital of the world. To some, this might not really seem like a big surprise, but you really have to consider the whole picture. Vegas didn’t always hold the esteem and respect that it does today. It wasn’t once filled with neon, flashing lights and casino advertisements. In fact, it was just once a barren wasteland full of sand, dirt, and other useless debris. That is certainly no longer the case. So, how did this prolific city rise to become what it is today?

The Gambling Capital

When most people think about Vegas they automatically think about the strip, casinos, and gambling. Heck, it has been this way since Vegas started offering gambling and sports betting. And, it will probably be this exact way until the very end of time. So, it only made sense to bring boxing to the area. What better place? If people are already willing to waste their money playing poker machines and slots for a chance to win more money then why wouldn’t they bet on boxing as well? They would and they did. This is exactly why it only made sense to bring boxing to Vegas in the first place. However, this alone is not what made the sport what it is today or what defined Vegas in terms of boxing.

All The Big Fights

If there is anything in the world that has defined Vegas as the boxing capital of the world it is the fact that the city has hosted some of the biggest drawing fights. Not only have fights like Tyson VS Holyfield brought in thousands in attendance, but it brought in millions in gambling revenue. And, this is just to name one fight. Look at some of the more recent like Mayweather VS Pacquiao. Anyone that placed a bet on this fight with quality sites like Baccarat Formula will without a doubt tell you that the number on this fight were stacked. Just imagine what the numbers were like in Vegas.

Easy Access

Nevada offers easy access to the residents of Utah, California, Idaho, Oregon, and Arizona. People living in these states can enjoy everything Las Vegas has to offer, from gambling to botanical garden tours. The city is home to some of the most alluring tourist attractions, including the Mandalay Bay Wave Pool, Paris Las Vegas Eiffel Tower, Bellagio’s Dancing Fountains, and Stratosphere Tower. All of these attractions are suitable for both the young and old. But, for people who enjoy boxing, there are no better venues than those hosted by Las Vegas’ MGM Hotel and Caesar’s Palace.

Long History Of Boxing

Las Vegas has a long history of boxing. The city has played host to some of the most notable boxing matches, including the famous Sugar Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns, Riddick Bowe and Evander Holyfield, and Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao matchups. 

Other famous boxing matches held in Las Vegas include the Bobby Chacon and Cornelius Boza-Edwards matchup. Many fans believed the fight could have been stopped multiple times but in the Chacon came out on top after he knocked out Edwards in the 12th round.

Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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