Before Trump and Tyson — Boxing's Immortals Ruled Atlantic City

I have often called Atlantic City, New Jersey — The Boxing Capital of The World. This article will back that lofty pronouncement up beyond challenge.

Before we look at more recent boxing history in Atlantic City, let’s look at its rich past.

Before Trump and Tyson — Boxing's Immortals Ruled Atlantic City

Long before Donald Trump brought Mike Tyson to Atlantic City, boxing royalty had already shined at Atlantic City Convention Hall.

Joe Louis fought there in 1941, Sugar Ray Robinson appeared repeatedly during the 1940s and 1950s, and Rocky Marciano scored a knockout in 1952.

Atlantic City's extraordinary boxing history was already established decades before the casino era began.

Look At These Incredible Fights That Took Place In Atlantic City From 1932-1979

The above fights represent a “Who’s Who” of boxing greats who fought in Atlantic City over many decades.

Some of these are forgotten Atlantic City boxing classics that took place from 1930-1979.

Atlantic City's Greatest Boxing Fights: Tyson, Trump & Legends

Before Tyson, Atlantic City was already throwing big punches.

December 19, 1981: Dwight Muhammad Qawi defeated Matthew Saad Muhammad at Atlantic City's Playboy Hotel and Casino, capturing the world light heavyweight championship.

The brutal fight helped to establish Atlantic City as a serious boxing destination. Championship fights would soon transform Atlantic City into an international sports attraction.

Matthew Saad Muhammad resided and trained at The Golden Nugget Atlantic City. I was there working at the time. The atmosphere was electric.

Then Future American President Donald Trump brings “Iron Mike” Tyson to Atlantic City

October 16, 1987: Mike Tyson demolished Tyrell Biggs at Convention Hall.

January 22, 1988: Tyson knocked out legendary champion Larry Holmes in four rounds.

Donald Trump became a major financial force behind Tyson's Atlantic City appearances, bringing extraordinary worldwide attention to Atlantic City.

Ninety-One Seconds That Shook The Boxing World

I was a former executive for President Trump. I attended this historic moment in boxing history, with my wife, Margie.

It was over in what seemed like an instant.

June 27, 1988: Tyson destroyed previously undefeated Michael Spinks in just 91 seconds at Atlantic City Convention Hall, now Boardwalk Hall.

Trump paid an $11 million site fee to secure this historic heavyweight showdown.

After this fight, Trump also agreed to serve as a business adviser to Tyson.

Holyfield, Foreman & Unforgettable Championship Fights Held In Atlantic City

April 19, 1991: Evander Holyfield defeated George Foreman in a spectacular heavyweight championship fight held at Atlantic City Convention Hall.

June 7, 2003: Arturo ”Thunder” Gatti defeated Micky Ward at Boardwalk Hall, concluding their unforgettable trilogy. Gatti has earned his own chapter later below.

June 25, 2005: Floyd Mayweather Jr. stopped Gatti in six rounds at Boardwalk Hall.

Atlantic City's Boxing Legacy Refuses To Surrender

More incredible Atlantic City fights:

September 29, 2007: Kelly Pavlik knocked out Jermain Taylor at Boardwalk Hall.

November 8, 2014: Sergey Kovalev defeated Bernard Hopkins at Boardwalk Hall.

April 12, 2025: Jaron "Boots" Ennis stopped Eimantas Stanionis after six rounds, unifying the welterweight championships at Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall.

Arturo Gatti: The Warrior Who Made Atlantic City Roar

Arturo "Thunder" Gatti became an Atlantic City boxing legend, delivering unforgettable wars inside Boardwalk Hall.

Gatti’s brutal trilogy against Micky Ward, including their June 7, 2003 finale, defined courage and determination. Gatti fought with extraordinary heart, thrilling thousands of devoted fans. Atlantic City wasn't merely his fighting venue. It was Gatti’s second home.