By Dennis Hayes
Atlantic City’s storied boxing legacy is making a triumphant return, thanks to the relentless efforts of local promoter Larry Goldberg. A native of Atlantic City’s downbeach community of Margate, Goldberg has embarked on a mission to restore the resort’s place on the boxing map while using the sport to uplift the next generation.
A love for Larry’s Atlantic City roots
Goldberg’s roots in Atlantic City run deep. A 1996 graduate of Atlantic City High School, he grew up in a family that shaped the local business landscape—his grandfather owned Boardwalk businesses, while his father founded A.C. Linen, serving the city’s casinos. But it was boxing that captured Goldberg’s imagination.
“I remember sneaking ringside at fights in the 80s, watching legends battle it out under the Boardwalk lights,” Goldberg recalled. “I told my dad I’d come back one day and give something back to this city. Now, I’m making good on that promise.”
Revitalizing boxing in Atlantic City
Goldberg first made waves in the boxing world as the founder of BoxingInsider.com, one of the sport’s pioneering digital media platforms. But reporting on the fights wasn’t enough, he wanted to be in the thick of the action. He transitioned to promotion, launching a successful series of Fight Nights at New York City’s Sony Hall. His shows were so successful that the New York Boxing Hall of Fame named him “Promoter of the Year.”
He then turned his sights back home. In May 2024, Goldberg’s Boxing Insider Promotions brought professional boxing back to Tropicana Atlantic City after a seven-year hiatus. The event was a knockout success, proving that the city was hungry for its fight-night glory days to return.
“Atlantic City is a fight town,” he said.
His next event, set for March 22, 2025, at the Tropicana, is shaping up to be another show-stopper. The stacked card includes Atlantic City fan-favorite Justin “Mr. Atlantic City” Figueroa (11-0, 9 KOs) in a junior middleweight bout against Argentina’s Mario Rios (10-3-1, 7 KOs). Rising heavyweight Bruce Seldon Jr. (4-0, 3 KOs)—son of former world champion Bruce Seldon—returns to action, while local prospects Damian Tinnerello and Kahshad Elliott, both 4-0 with four knockouts, continue their climb. Pleasantville’s Julio Sanchez III will make his pro debut.
“It’s my number one privilege to work with ‘Mr. Atlantic City’ Justin Figueroa, who is featured in this weekend’s fight,” Goldberg added. “Justin is the hometown star Atlantic City has always needed. He represents everything good this city can be. I see world titles and big businesses in his future. He has the personality, charisma and star power to do anything he wants to do in boxing and life.”
The Boxing Promoter also praises the son of legendary Atlantic City Heavyweight Champion Bruce Seldon. “Bruce Jr. is fighting for us for the third time. He’s a one-man wrecking crew in action.”
Pleasantville’s Julio Sanchez III looks to follow in his father’s footsteps when he makes his professional debut in front of his friends and family. He was on Boxing Insider’s Amateur PAL event last year and is now taking the big step up. “He’s a real up-and-comer with potential to become a star,” said Goldberg.
The main event features Vlad “Super Bad” Panin (21-1, 13 KOs), a Belarusian welterweight based in Los Angeles, against Argentina’s Brian Arregui, a 2020 Olympian. With the event streaming live on DAZN, Goldberg is ensuring that Atlantic City’s resurgence reaches a global audience.
Fighting for the next generation
Goldberg’s impact isn’t just felt inside the ropes—he’s using boxing as a vehicle for change. He supports the Atlantic City Police Athletic League (PAL), an organization that has produced world-class fighters like Leavander Johnson and John Brown, by providing PAL participants with complimentary tickets, ensuring they get a front-row seat to the possibilities the sport offers.
“I love the PAL,” Goldberg said. “The Police Athletic League gives these kids the tools to get to a better place in their lives. I joke that I alone don’t have much to offer them, but the boxing component helps change lives. I was privileged to see these fights as a kid and it changed my outlook on life. It’s the least I can do to host as many kids as possible from the AC PAL to come to these events.”
Boxing Insider hosted the amateur show at Tropicana, last year, which not only gave PAL’s youth boxing program a spotlight, but raised money to help qualify for a $65,000 state grant. The funding provides for the boxing program to continue for another year giving the participants a chance to shine in the ring – building confidence and launching them to successful lives.
Atlantic City’s boxing future
Goldberg isn’t slowing down. With each event, he cements Atlantic City’s return as a premier boxing destination. More than that, he’s giving local fighters opportunities and inspiring young athletes to dream big.
“Atlantic City was once the fight capital of the world but in recent years has been forgotten,” he said. “I’m proud that this is Boxing Insider’s fourth event here in the past year and our third from Tropicana televised on DAZN. Now other big events are coming to AC.”
For fight fans, community members, and those who believe in the power of the sport, March 22 at Tropicana isn’t just another fight night. It’s proof that Atlantic City’s boxing heartbeat is stronger than ever.
Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.
