The next transformation was in 1994, with the MGM becoming the largest hotel in the world, with 5005 rooms. It opened with the fight of the great Mexican champion, Julio César Chávez, on that historic night when he lost his undefeated record to Frankie Randall.
Last year, the MGM celebrated with a big party to commemorate its 100 boxing cards in its incredible 30 years of existence. This venue has dominated and maintained its prominence in promotion; it’s been the home of Tyson, Chávez, De la Hoya, Mayweather, Canelo, and, of course, Manny Pacquiao, who celebrated his 16th fight in the arena.
Did you know…?
The Mandalay Bay hotel attempted to position itself as the leader in Las Vegas. It managed to host some big fight cards with Oscar de la Hoya and Lennox Lewis. Even Érik Morales had his first fight there against Marco Antonio Barrera in February 2000 – I remember it well, it was my bachelor party trip!
Today’s Anecdote:
I don’t know how many times I was in Las Vegas with my dad, but every trip was memorable. Since he didn’t drink, smoke, gamble, or party, he focused on food. Piero’s restaurant is still standing and refused to sell to the many casinos around it. There was also The Tillerman, which is also outside the hotel area, Chins, which was in the Fashion Show mall, and perhaps his favorite, MoonGate at The Mirage, which had the most delicious Chinese food… “My boy,” he’d say, “the most important thing in life is to value what you have and enjoy every moment… I am happy because, thank God, I have never lost my capacity for wonder, which is easy to happen when you go to such incredible places again and again. I enjoy every new trip, every new experience, and even every bite in my encounters with whoever I’m with.”