If you are a South Jersey or Boxing History aficionado, you know that there a deep history with Atlantic City and Boxing. But most people don’t know how deep that history goes back.

Boxing events in Atlantic City predate the dawn of the casino industry by almost 100 years. There are historical references to boxing in Atlantic City during the 1880s, with popular fighters such as Dominick McCaffrey (1883), and International Boxing Hall of Famer Mysterious Billy Smith (1895).

Also, 50 years before the Casinos came to Atlantic City, World Boxing Hall of Famer “Lefty” Lew Tendler fought in AC three times during the 1920s. International Boxing Hall of Famer Benny Bass reportedly fought in Atlantic City over 20 times during the 1930s.

The first boxing showcase at an Atlantic City Casino was in 1978, which was the launching pad for the golden age of boxing in AC.  But the 21st century has seen a “Boxing Recession” in Atlantic City, to the point that the Tropicana Atlantic City Showroom did not have a Professional Boxing Sanctioned event for seven years.

New Chapter of Boxing in Atlantic City continues in 2026

Even though we have seen numerous boxing fight cards roll through Atlantic City in the decade leading up to 2024, many of those boxing shows featured underwhelming action or lacked the appeal for South Jersey fight fans who are being asked to spend their hard-earned money to overpay for mediocre entertainment.

2024 NYSHOF Promoter of the Year Larry Goldberg, originally from Margate, revived boxing at the Tropicana Showroom in Atlantic City, and has established a schedule of action-packed fight cards each year with his Boxing Insider Promotions:

“We didn’t just bring back boxing to the Tropicana Showroom in Atlantic City – (Boxing Insider Promotions) has helped bring boxing back as part of the regular schedule across Atlantic City.” Larry Goldberg told me in an exclusive interview for 973 ESPN. “It’s rewarding to see the local boxing scene growing again, and to be part of building this series over the past two years at the best venue in town.”

Boxing Insider Promotions has revived the tradition of action-packed boxing shows started by Don Elbaum at the Tropicana Atlantic City in the 1980s. Saturday, March 7th will be the seventh fight card showcase at Tropicana Atlantic City, thanks to Larry Goldberg and Boxing Insider Promotions.

The event will be headlined by 16-0 Atlantic City Boxer and NABF super lightweight champion, Justin “Just In Time” Figueroa. Joining “Mr. Atlantic City” on the upcoming boxing show are local rising boxing stars from the region:

*Holy Spirit High School Graduate Josh Popper is the founder of Breadwinners Boxing in New York City. The former NFL Prospect is a 5-0 Heavyweight originally from Somers Point.

South Jersey Boxer Lia Lewandowski

Photo by Harry Purdy/purdyphotography given to Josh Hennig/Townsquare Media

*Undefeated Women’s Boxer Lia Lewandowski is from Berlin, New Jersey; She is a rising star in South Jersey Boxing and looking to extend her streak of knockout victories
*Scheduled is an all-New Jersey showdown between John Leonardo (Manalapan Township, 12-1-1 record) and Edgar Cortes (Millville, New Jersey, 10-9 record)

“Returning for our seventh show at the Tropicana on March 7th feels great….For 2026, we want to keep improving, growing the sports with bigger events, stronger (fight) cards, and continued growth.” Larry Goldberg tells 973 ESPN. “The focus remains on showcasing top local South Jersey and regional talent alongside proven international fighters, giving all fighters a platform to develop while delivering exciting shows that put Atlantic City back on the boxing map.”

But for Margate’s Larry Goldberg, it is not just about giving the professional fighters a platform. For the last two years, the founder of Boxing Insider Promotions has used his own resources to host an Amateur Boxing Showcase at Tropicana Showroom for the Atlantic City Police Athletic League Boxing Program.

Goldberg was presented with the “Excellence Award” by the AC PAL for his charitable support of the amateur boxing program.

“Hosting the Battle of the Beach Amateur Showcase is all about the kids, and the next generation, and doing what we can to help them grow and thrive. The fact I can use this platform with Boxing Insider Promotions to be even a small part of helping the next generation, that is amazing.”

Tickets are on sale now for the first action-packed boxing show of 2026 on Saturday, March 7th at Ticketmaster, presented by Boxing Insider Promotions inside the Tropicana Atlantic City Showroom.

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Gallery Credit: Eddie Davis