In the 1970s, Atlantic City had fallen into a state of disrepair and economic decline. However, a bold move to legalize casino gambling in the city would ultimately revive its fortunes and transform it into a hub for professional boxing. This article explores how the rise of casino-hosted boxing events played a pivotal role in Atlantic City's remarkable resurgence.

Reviving the Boardwalk: How Casinos and Boxing Breathed New Life into Atlantic City

Decline and Despair: Atlantic City's Pre-Casino Woes

By the 1970s, Atlantic City had fallen on hard times. The once-vibrant seaside resort had fallen victim to neglect and the changing tides of American tourism. As travel became more accessible, tourists sought out newer and more alluring destinations, leaving the city's majestic hotels largely vacant. The city's leaders recognized the need for a drastic intervention to revive the Boardwalk's fortunes.

A Gamble on the Future: Legalizing Casinos in Atlantic City

In 1974, a referendum to allow statewide casino gambling in New Jersey was rejected by voters. Undeterred, lawmakers refined the proposal, and in 1976, a new bill that legalized casinos exclusively in Atlantic City was passed. Two years later, the first casino, Resorts International, opened its doors, ushering in a new era for the city.

The Rise of Boxing on the Boardwalk

The casinos quickly recognized the value of live entertainment to draw in visitors. Eager to differentiate themselves, they began hosting boxing events, capitalizing on the sport's natural synergy with the gambling industry. Resorts International led the charge, hosting the first casino-based boxing show in Atlantic City in November 1978.

A Boxing Boom: Atlantic City Becomes the Epicenter of the Sport

The number of boxing events in Atlantic City skyrocketed in the following years. From just a handful of shows in 1978, the city hosted 12 events in 1980, and a staggering 49 in 1981. Casinos across the city, including the Tropicana, Bally's, Playboy, and Caesars, all jumped on the boxing bandwagon, eager to capitalize on the sport's popularity.

Heavyweight Hype: Atlantic City Hosts its First World Title Fight

The pinnacle of Atlantic City's boxing renaissance came in 1983 when over 5,000 fans packed a tent next to Harrah's Marina Hotel & Casino to witness WBC heavyweight champion Larry Holmes defend his title against New Jersey native Scott Frank. This historic event marked the first heavyweight title fight to be held in the city, solidifying Atlantic City's status as a premier destination for the sport.

The Boardwalk Becomes Boxing's Mecca

Atlantic City's rise as a boxing hub was meteoric. From 1982 to 1985, the city hosted an astounding 521 boxing events, more than two per week. The city's casinos played host to numerous world championship fights and attracted a who's who of boxing promoters, including Don King, Main Events, and Bob Arum's Top Rank. Atlantic City had surpassed even Las Vegas as the epicenter of professional boxing in America.

A Lasting Legacy: How Boxing Transformed Atlantic City

The influx of boxing events not only drew crowds to the Boardwalk but also generated significant media coverage, both locally and nationally. The exposure helped to revitalize Atlantic City's image and cement its status as a premier destination for sports and entertainment. The city's embrace of boxing played a crucial role in its remarkable resurgence, transforming it from a faded seaside town to a vibrant, thriving hub of activity.