Boxing Insider’s July 26 card Continues Atlantic City’s long boxing tradition

Written by: Sean Crose

It’s called the 90 Second Massacre. Mike Tyson, the undefeated WBC, WBA, and IBF world heavyweight champion, stepped into the ring one night in June of 1988 to face the lineal heavyweight world champion, Michael Spinks. It would be a great tournament if ever there was one – fighting for all the symbolic marbles. Those who remember, even those too young to remember, know what happened after the opening bell rang. Tyson destroyed the talented Spinks a minute and a half into the first round. No one will be able to argue that Tyson, who is now the heavyweight champion of the world, was the face of boxing.

It was undoubtedly a big moment – and it’s still a high point for Atlantic City Boxing. Because it was at Convention Hall that Tyson defeated Spinks in one of the most one-sided contests the sport of boxing has ever known. It wasn’t the only big fight to go down in Atlantic City, however. Tyson had defeated Tyrell Biggs, and his great partner Larry Holmes in Atlantic City. In addition, Evander Holyfield fought George Foreman in Atlantic City. The legendary Roberto Duran shocked the boxing world by defeating Iran Barkley for the middleweight title in Atlantic City. In addition, Hector “Macho” Camacho beat “Sugar” Ray Leonard only to retire in a fight in Atlantic City.

Of course not all conflicts in Atlantic City have been – or are – major events. That’s as true now as it was back in December of 1981, when Edwin Viruet knocked out Norman Goins in nine at the Tropicana in Atlantic City. Since that first card back in ’81, Tropicana has hosted nearly 240 fight cards. Indeed, boxing will return to the Tropicana this coming week when heavyweight contender Otto Wallin returns to the ring to fight Onoriode Ehwarieme in a scheduled eight rounder. If he does well, former world title contender Wallin could find himself returning to high-profile fights.

Next week’s card, presented by Boxing Insider Promotions, will feature seven bouts, many of which involve rising names like Justin Figueroa, Bruce Seldon, and Jacob Solis. It’s the kind of card that showcases up-and-coming talent, a combination of both the present and the future of the game Atlantic City has long been a part of.