AC Boxing Scene Alive and Thriving

By Frank Bartolini

Professional boxing in Atlantic City has often been written off as dead. But that message clearly didn’t reach the over 10,000 fans who packed the Convention Center on the boardwalk to witness Jaron “Boots” Ennis successfully defend his World Welterweight Championship, in an event promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

Ennis, a Philadelphia native, delivered the most dominant performance of his career, dismantling Eimantas Stanionis in six rounds. Philadelphia, known for embracing its champions, showed up in full force—many clad in Eagles Super Bowl gear—to support their hometown hero.

Using sharp left jabs to the head and body, Ennis opened up Stanionis for a brutal body assault. Switching to a southpaw stance at times, Ennis demonstrated his versatility and ferocity. Though he absorbed a few hooks, Ennis responded with a relentless wave of punches that eventually overwhelmed the tough and resilient Lithuanian challenger.

In the sixth round, Ennis targeted Stanionis’ midsection with a punishing barrage. Grimacing in pain, Stanionis backed into the corner, clearly hurt. Sensing the moment, Ennis landed three consecutive left uppercuts to the chin of a hunched-over opponent. Stanionis crumbled to the canvas but courageously got back to his feet and survived the round.

Back in his corner, concern was etched on the faces of his team. As the ringside physician, referee, and head trainer assessed his condition, a decision was made to stop the fight. The trainer called it off, and with agreement from the doctor and referee, the bout was officially ended. Though suffering his first professional loss, Stanionis (now 15–1, 9 KOs) earned respect for his grit and heart.

With this emphatic victory, Ennis (now 34–0, 30 KOs) firmly established himself as the king of the 147-pound division. However, challenges remain. Super lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez has publicly called him out, and undefeated fighters Devin Haney and Brian Norman Jr. are also being floated as potential opponents. Still, it would be fitting if Ennis cleaned out the welterweight division before moving up in weight. This writer’s dream matchup? A clash between Ennis and Gervonta “Tank” Davis—a Philly vs. Baltimore showdown that would electrify fans across the boxing world.

Don’t believe the doubters—the Atlantic City fight scene is far from dead. Just two weeks before the Ennis-Stanionis bout, Larry Goldberg’s BoxingInsider Promotions hosted a six-fight card at the Tropicana Casino & Hotel. Headlining the event was local favorite Justin Figueroa, a junior middleweight and standout former high school athlete. Over 1,500 fans filled the venue—hardly the sign of a fading boxing town.

Back in 2015, Atlantic City’s boxing future looked bleak. The city was in economic decline, with multiple casinos shuttered and others demolished. Professional boxing came to a near halt. That’s when welterweight contender Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna took a bold step—promoting boxing himself to keep the sport alive in the “City by the Sea.”

LaManna’s efforts reignited the local boxing scene. His initiative inspired other promoters, leading to a resurgence that now boasts more than 20 fight cards a year on the boardwalk. A veteran of 45 professional bouts, LaManna’s own career continues as he prepares to face former super welterweight and middleweight champion Jermall Charlo in a 10-round bout on May 31 at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.

Thanks to fighters like Ennis and LaManna, and the passionate fanbase that continues to show up, Atlantic City remains a vital part of the boxing world. The scene isn’t dying—it’s thriving.