Atlantic City has long been synonymous with boxing glory. From legendary bouts featuring Mike Tyson to championship nights that captivated the world, the Boardwalk once stood as the East Coast’s fight capital. Now, thanks to the relentless passion and dedication of Atlantic City native Larry Goldberg, the city’s boxing heartbeat is pounding once again.
The Man Behind the Movement
Born and raised in Atlantic City, Goldberg has never strayed far from his roots. A 1996 graduate of Atlantic City High School, he carries the legacy of a family that helped shape the city’s economic landscape. His grandfather owned businesses along the Boardwalk, and his father, David, founded A.C. Linen, serving local casinos. But Goldberg’s heart has always been in the ring.
“I grew up watching boxing here, sneaking down to ringside on the big fights in the 80s. My favorite events were always the smaller events. I promised my dad that I would come home and follow in his footsteps giving back to the community!” Goldberg states passionately.
Revitalizing Boxing in Atlantic City
After years of dominating the boxing media world with his pioneering website, BoxingInsider.com, Goldberg took a leap into promotion. He started small, selling out nine consecutive shows at Sony Hall in New York City before bringing that same magic home.
His return to Atlantic City’s fight scene was nothing short of electric. On May 11, 2024, Goldberg’s Boxing Insider Promotions hosted a spectacular event at Tropicana Atlantic City—the first in seven years. The success of that night solidified his mission: restore Atlantic City’s prominence as a boxing capital.
“Atlantic City was once the heart of boxing, and after a long layoff, we are honored to be part of its revival,” Goldberg says. “It was my dream to one day promote a fight at Tropicana from my days as a beverage server there. This is our fourth event at The Trop since last May, and we are here to stay—bringing world-class fights, building future champions, and giving fight fans unforgettable nights.”
His next event, scheduled for March 22, 2025, promises to be just as thrilling, featuring top-tier talent including “Mr. Atlantic City" Justin Figueroa (11-0, 9 KOs), squaring off against Argentina’s Mario Rios (10-3-1, 7 KOs) in a six-round junior middleweight bout. Unbeaten Bruce Seldon Jr. (4-0, 3 KOs), son of the city’s first and only heavyweight champion, faces Gabriel Costa, while New Jerseyans Damian Tinnerello and Kahshad Elliott, both of whom sport records of 4-0 with four knockouts, compete in four-round bouts. Also, Pleasantville’s Julio Sanchez III steps into the professional ranks for the first time in a lightweight bout against Douglas Diggs. The ten-round main event brings in stars from out of town, as welterweight Vlad Panin (21-1, 13 KOs), a Belarusian now based in Los Angeles, battles Argentina’s Brian Arregui, a 2020 Olympian. Streaming live on DAZN, the event cements Goldberg’s vision for the city’s boxing resurgence.
Empowering the Next Generation
But Goldberg’s impact extends beyond sold-out fight nights. His deep commitment to community empowerment is evident in his partnership with the Atlantic City Police Athletic League (PAL), an organization that has trained past boxing greats like Leavander Johnson and John Brown.
Goldberg always makes sure that PAL participants receive complimentary tickets, exposing them to the electrifying world of professional boxing.
“These kids need something to believe in. They need to see that greatness is possible,” Goldberg says. “Boxing teaches discipline, respect, and perseverance—things that extend beyond the ring.”
For Goldberg, it’s not just about reviving Atlantic City’s past—it’s about building its future. “This isn’t just about boxing,” he says. “It’s about showing kids in this city that they can be champions, too.”
Atlantic City’s Fight Future
With each event, Goldberg inches closer to his goal of re-establishing Atlantic City as a premier boxing destination. He’s not just a promoter; he’s a hometown hero fighting for a city that has given him so much.
“The dream isn’t just to bring boxing back,” Goldberg emphasizes. “The dream is to create opportunities—for fighters, for kids, for Atlantic City itself. And we’re just getting started.”
For fight fans and community supporters alike, March 22 at Tropicana Atlantic City is more than just another fight night—it’s a testament to resilience, revival, and a city reclaiming its place in the ring.
Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.
