New Jersey voted to legalize casino gambling in 1976. Atlantic City had become a depressing, tired old down, and the idea of putting casinos in it was to revitalize it, and create jobs as well. Two years later, the first casinos opened on the boardwalk, and quickly gained in popularity.
It wasn’t long after that professional boxing was booked in the ballrooms of the hotels. Network television carried the broadcasts on free television in those days, and it coincided with the time I became a boxing fan. Atlantic City hosted more and more pro fights, and it was great to watch them on the weekends.
Donald Trump was an extremely successful businessman and real estate developer, and saw the potential in Atlantic City by the mid 80’s. Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino opened in May of 1984, and his Trump Castle property on the marina began operating in June of 1985. Five years later he built the massive Trump Taj Mahal on the boardwalk, to rave revues.
Trump saw the potential in boxing as well. His Trump Plaza Hotel was right next to Atlantic City Convention Hall, the arena used to host the ‘Miss America Pageant’ every September. He knew by putting on big fights, patrons would have to go through his casino after the bout, and he could make huge profits from the betting public, including the high rollers.
Mike Tyson started his career with the majority of his early fights being held in Atlantic City. Trump saw the potential in him, and when he became champ in November of 1986, brought him to A.C. to fight at Convention Hall. He fought Tyrell Biggs in October there, and the mega Tyson-Spinks bout was a Donald Trump event as well.
Atlantic City flourished during the Trump era. Boxing cards were constantly a part of the calendar at his hotels, and he opened the Mark Etess Arena at the Taj Mahal as well. I personally saw Roy Jones fight in that arena, as Vladmir Klitschko, too. It was an exciting time in the old town, and it shone brightly for a good while.
As time passed however, the glitz started to fade, and Trump knew it was time to get out. You don’t become rich by being stupid, and he was correct. When he left, it rang the death knoll for the town. No fights are ever held there anymore, and four casinos have closed. People can say what they want, but in my opinion Donald Trump made Atlantic City great, and when he left, it fell apart.
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM AT kensoldtimeboxingchat
LISTEN TO MY PODCAST ON SPOTIFY AT kensoldtimeboxingchat
