Famous Fights Held At Las Vegas

Las Vegas is the world’s entertainment capital where you can play many casino games and see entertainment shows. It’s also the most popular boxing destination. Vegas has hosted some huge boxing fights. Evander Holyfield, Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson, and Sugar Ray Leonard have all fought in Vegas. Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, and Caesars Palace have seen many famous bouts.

The MGM Grand, an iconic landmark in Vegas, is probably the most renowned boxing destination of them all. The arena here sits 17,000 people. The MGM has been the host of the Holyfield-Tyson, Floyd Mayweather and Oscar Hoya, and between George Foreman-Michael Moorer bouts. Many celebrities are seen watching these fights live as Los Angeles is very close to Vegas.

Here are some top boxing fights held at Vegas.

November 1992 – Riddick Bowe Vs. Evander Holyfield

Ranks as a top all-time great boxing fights. Held at the Thomas & Mack Center, it was seen live by 18,000 fans from around the world, which as a big number back then. In round 10, Holyfield was injured from an uppercut. However, he could still do well. Seeing Holyfield injured, Bowe decided to go for a knockout win. But Holyfield survived. This 10th round is historic in boxing’s history.

September 1981 – Ray Leonard Vs. Thomas Hearns

It was held at the Caesar’s Palace, which is a top Vegas casino destination. Many gamers still visit the casino, even though online gaming has become more popular. T&C's apply, though. Online casino games can now be played throughout the world. The Australian casinos are some of the best in the world as casino gambling is so popular in the country. Syndicate online casino AU is a good place for many top games.

By the end of round 5, Leonard Ray already had his eye swollen, but was still fighting well. Hearns, however, fought back well and won everything between the 9th and 12th. But eventually, Ray won the bout with constant encouragement from Angelo Dundee, his trainer then.

Read all about the best boxing commentators of all time here.

1996, 1997 – Mike Tyson Vs. Evander Holyfield

These two bouts remain famous. Tyson had just won the World Heavyweight Championship, but his title was stripped because he decided to fight Holyfield and not the one chosen by WBC. Tyson was the favorite to win. But Holyfield did exceptionally well. By round 11, Tyson could not defend himself anymore. The referee had to stop the bout. The championship was handed over to Holyfield.

Tyson’s camp contested the loss, saying Holyfield was head-butting throughout the bout. The referee said this was accidental. Tyson, however, was allowed a rematch a year later. It lasted only 3 rounds and became boxing’s most controversial bout ever.

Holyfield ducked Tyson in round 2 and unintentionally head-butted him, which caused a cut in the right eye of Tyson. He was enraged. Tyson came back furious and bit off a portion of Holyfield’s right ear. Holyfield was seen screaming in pain and jumping. Tyson then shoved him off. Tyson went on to bite his left ear when the fight started again after a break. Holyfield was surrounded by security for protection. Tyson was disqualified for biting, suspended, and fined $3 million.

Thomas Hearns-Marvin Hagler of 1985, Jose Luis-Diego Corrales of 2005, and Meldrick Taylor-Chaves Julio of 1990 are some top fights that have been held at Vegas.

Author: Sarah Hagi

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